PROSPER @ home, Resilience
- AISHK
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
In order to ensure young people develop the ability to move forward from negative or disappointing situations there are a wide variety of character building supports which can be practiced.
Resiliance is an important skill to develop at a young age, and is required to successfully navigate negative or disappointing situations. It is used daily as they respond to life’s obstacles both big (loss, grief, trauma) and smaller (grade disappointments, time management stresses).
A common example of building resilience begins in families when babies are learning to walk or toddlers take a tumble. They are encouraged to get back up and try again or continue on. As the children grow and move through their school years such support and encouragement continues to be vital in the home.
Families can assist with building and supporting resilience in the following ways:
How to communicate: If the young person is displaying disappointment, and is retreating, try to remain calm and connected. Pre-establish a few key questions to ask which may follow the LEMP conversational model:
Listen – Actively hear the young person's concerns, thoughts, and emotions without interrupting. Create a space for them to express themselves fully.
Empathize – Show understanding and validate their feelings. Acknowledge their challenges and offer reassurance that they are not alone.
Make a Plan – Collaboratively develop actionable steps to address their challenges or reach their goals. Ensure the plan is realistic and achievable and where possible time bound.
Progress Check-In – Regularly assess progress, celebrate achievements, and make adjustments if needed. Continuous reflection ensures steady growth and improvement.
Encourage Healthy Thinking Patterns - Encourage children to embrace uncertainty rather than resist it. Recognising that unpredictability and change are natural aspects of life, though sometimes challenging. This helps develop adaptability. By shifting their focus to what they can control, young people gain confidence in managing challenges and learn to move forward with resilience.
