It is important to recognize that no matter how much caregivers try to protect them, children will always be exposed to some stress. However, exposure to chronic stress in early childhood can cause a lot of problems in the long term. Significant stress in childhood can affect a child’s later decision-making and cognitive and social-emotional development. Some children may have impulse or anger problems as a result of this stress, as well. Performance in school can also be affected, and rates of drug abuse, later on, can increase. Many people are wondering how some children are able to thrive in more stressful situations, while others are unable to accomplish this.
Resilience – the idea that a person is able to come back from a setback- is a big component of this type of success in childhood. Ann Masten, a developmental psychology expert, states that resilience can be developed.
Building up the executive function skills that are necessary for doing well in school is helpful for coping and building resilience. Getting better at concentrating on tasks, solving problems, and successfully switching back and forth between different tasks helps children find ways to adapt to obstacles. Learning how to balance their emotions is also vital in building resilience. Close “attachment” relationships are also vital in building resilience, as they help children build a sense of safety. When a parent, guardian, or caregiver are consistently supporting a child, which is important for general healthy development and can foster more resilience. However, other relationships with supportive adults are also vital – mentors, coaches, and friends are so important in building strength and a high self-concept.
Parents giving their children time to talk and listen attentively is helpful in the development of resilience. Trusting children and allowing them to do things on their own and make some of their own decisions can be helpful. Allowing them this autonomy and letting them fail sometimes can help them learn to deal with anger and upsetting emotions, which is key to building resilience.
Community-based programs can also aid families to reduce risks and help children improve their resilience. Affordable housing and healthcare interventions can additionally help families and children, especially those in poverty who are facing countless hardships at the same time. Schools have also been starting to teach social and emotional learning courses, which have been helping children with decision-making, emotion management, and developing empathy. Studies have shown that these courses raise grades, improve behavior, and cause participants to be less likely to engage in criminal activity, use, drugs, or drop out of school.
Many children live with chronic stress and coupled with a pandemic, it is important to support children and help them build resilience skills. It is additionally vital that parents build resilience so that they can best support themselves and their children.
Ethel Dvoskin
Research Assistant, UConn KIDS
Article Link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-baby-scientist/202201/how-help-young-children-build-resilience