Ancient philosophers have given the world profound wisdom on resilience and emotional control that offer us opportunities we can’t see in times of stress unless we have repeatedly practiced enough. We not only have the opportunity to change our reaction to stress and chaos, but we also have the ability to change our children.
Teaching children how to handle their emotions and respond to challenges with composure and perspective is a gift that will serve them throughout their lives.
Here are 7 parenting tips to help nurture a resilient and emotionally intelligent next generation:
Teach Control Over Reactions
Help children understand what is within their control and what is not. Placing their energy on actions, thoughts, and responses helps them conquer the world.
Encourage Reflective Thinking
Have regular discussions about the day’s events and how they handled various situations. Ask questions like, “What could we learn from this?” or “How could we handle this differently next time?” This practice fosters a mindset of growth and continuous improvement, central to resiliency.
Model Emotional Resilience
Children learn a great deal from observing their parents. When we are calm in the face of our own challenges, they see it. When things don’t go as planned, talk through your thought process aloud: acknowledge the disappointment and then shift towards constructive ways to address the situation.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude practice helps to remain balanced and focused on what they have rather than what they lack. Teaching children to appreciate the small joys & victories cultivates a lasting sense of contentment & perspective.
Introduce “Voluntary Discomfort”
Teach children that being uncomfortable isn’t always bad, and it often precedes growth. This can be as simple as enduring a little cold, doing a challenging chore, or working through a difficult homework problem without giving up. This helps them understand that they can handle discomfort, a key aspect of mental strength.
Encourage Problem-Solving
Instead of stepping in to solve every problem for them, encourage to think of solutions on their own. Discuss possible outcomes & strategies; enhancing not only problem-solving but boosting their confidence & autonomy.
Teach Them to “Pause & Respond”
The value of pause is a key to negative emotions in life. Teach to take a deep breath when upset/ angry, and think about their next actions carefully. The pause helps them respond more thoughtfully & less impulsively, enhancing interpersonal relationships.
Integrating these principles into parenting doesn’t just help children cope with individual challenges; it prepares them to navigate the complexities of life. We all could benefit from more reps in these thoughts. The earlier we practice, the better we become!