Have you heard the phrase “helicopter parent?” It describes a mother or father that ‘hovers’ around their child 24/7, overseeing their life to keep them from every potential danger, pitfall and mishap. It looks good on paper, but this kind of parenting forgets one important fact of reality: life happens.

Adversity happens to all of us. Those children who engage with adversity in their formative years learn how to handle it well and develop strategies and solutions. These are the kids that grow up to be resilient, getting right back up when life knocks them down a few pegs.

 

Here are some ways parents can raise resilient children:

Plant the Right Mindset

How your child sees the world and their own potential in it directly informs how they make decisions. Teach them a positive and empowering mindset from the beginning. Teach them that failure does not exist, only learning what works and what doesn’t. Failing grades and losing games aren’t the ends of the world, though they may feel like it. What really matters is the commitment and effort they put into reaching their goal.

Don’t Meet Their Every Need

A child will never develop their own coping strategies if someone is there every second making sure they never become hurt or disappointed. Please do your best NOT to overprotect your children and give them some space to figure it out all on their own.

Help Your Children Connect

Social children who are well connected to others feel a sense of support and resilience. Authentic relationships provide a safe space and a person to talk to about their feelings. Help socialize your child as soon as possible to form deep connections on their own as they grow.

Let Them Take Some Risks

All parents want to keep their kids safe, but there comes the point when you’ve got to let go a bit and let them learn HOW to be safe on their own. For instance, one day, your child will need to get their driver’s license. You can help that older child be a safe drivers by allowing their younger self to ride their bicycles around the neighbourhood. This will teach them to pay attention, look both ways, etc.

Teach Them the Right Skills

Instead of focusing on the ‘danger’ or uncomfortableness of a situation, teach your child how to navigate it. For instance, if they are going away to summer camp for the first time, brainstorm some ideas of how they can learn to be comfortable away from home. Pack their favourite blanket. Talk to them about calling you at certain times to check-in. Teach them how to solve their own problems. This is one of the greatest gifts parents can give.

 

Resiliency isn’t something that’s automatically handed down to kids; it’s something that must be instilled and moulded over time. Planting these seeds now will set your child up for success in the future.