Building a Culture of Resilience

"Whatever you want the children you care for to get out of their physical lives, resilience will be a part of it. Learning from mistakes, shaking off upsets, feeling ready to give something a try – resilience gives children access to the best that physical play can offer." So writes Jarrod Green in his new book, I’m Ok! Building Resilience Through Physical Play. Here's one tip he offers that can help children feel in control after they’ve gotten a bump or scrape:

"Balance the child’s need for comfort with his need for resilience by putting the child in control of the recovery process. Don't tell the child how to feel better...ask him. ‘What’s going to help you feel better?’ It’s an incredibly powerful question. It builds self-confidence, because it shows you believe in his ability to self-regulate...(Though if you ask too early in the process the child may not be done feeling upset...Choose your moment carefully.) Sometimes a child won't know what will help him feel better, so you might give choices: 'Do you want to go get a Band-Aid, or would you rather just sit and rest for a few minutes?'"

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