Resilency: What Every Parent Should Teach A Child!

Dr. Kristy Hager a child psychologist at Children’s Medical Center Dallas says it is important to nurture a child’s resiliency so the stress, pressure and adversity he or she experiences during childhood does not have a negative impact later in life.

“Resilient children posses a view of the world that enables them to meet challenges and pressures. Resilience conveys a sense of optimism, ownership and personal control,” she explains in her book Seven Steps to Improve Your Child’s Social Skills, “Resilient children can translate this view into effective action. “

Too often a news story details an adult with a troubled childhood that influenced his/her actions decades later. According to Dr. Hagar resilience is not acquired from a pill or a class, but rather is taught and nurtured by parents.

“Parents who possess an understanding of important principles, ideas and actions contribute to the formation of a resilient mindset in their children.”

Dr. Hager offers the following tips for nurturing resiliency in kids.

• Make your child feel special and appreciated.
• Love unconditionally.
• Celebrate your child's skills and competences.
• Teach your child how to learn from mistakes.
• Cultivate your child’s sense of responsibility, compassion and social conscience.