Inclusion and Wellbeing
Inclusion update
Building Resilience in Children: The Power of Bouncing Back
Resilience is an important life skill that helps children handle challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and keep going when things get tough. It's like having an inner strength that helps them overcome obstacles, whether it's struggling with schoolwork, dealing with a friendship issue, or managing any tough situation they might face. But here's the good news: resilience is not something we're born with—it's something we can develop over time!
What is Resilience?
Think of resilience like a superpower that helps children "bounce back" after things go wrong. Whether it's a test they didn't do well on or a disagreement with a friend, resilient children don’t give up easily. Instead, they face problems with a positive attitude and try to find solutions. Resilience isn't about avoiding challenges—it’s about being strong enough to handle them when they come.
How Can Children Build Resilience?
Building resilience starts with a positive mindset. Some helpful thoughts that encourage resilience might be:
“I don’t give up easily when things get tough.”
“I can handle difficult feelings, and I know they won’t last forever.”
“When I face stress, I can use it to grow stronger.”
“Even when things don’t go my way, I can always find something positive.”
These kinds of affirmations remind children that they have the power to overcome tough situations. They help children believe in themselves and develop a "can-do" attitude.
The 5 P's of Resilience
One way children can remember how to stay resilient is by thinking about the 5 P's of resilience. These key ideas help guide kids through challenges:
Perspective: Seeing the situation from different angles and looking for lessons in each challenge.
Positive: Staying hopeful and focusing on the good, even when things seem difficult.
Problem-Solve: Finding ways to solve problems instead of getting stuck.
Persevere: Keeping on going, even when things aren’t easy or don’t go your way.
Purpose: Knowing that challenges are part of the journey and will help them grow stronger.
How Does Resilience Help Children at School?
In school, resilience helps children face challenges in different ways. For example:
Dealing with academic struggles: If a child doesn't do well on a test or has trouble understanding something in class, resilience helps them stay focused and try again.
Managing social conflicts: If friends argue or someone feels left out, resilient children know how to work through problems and ask for help.
Adapting to changes: Whether it’s moving to a new school or adjusting to a new teacher, resilience helps kids adapt and feel confident about handling change.
Why Resilience Matters
Children who are resilient are better equipped to face life's ups and downs. They know that it's okay to struggle sometimes because they have the tools to overcome challenges. Resilient kids develop stronger relationships with their family, friends, and teachers because they’re able to communicate well and handle difficult emotions.
By helping children build resilience, we’re not just teaching them how to "bounce back" from challenges—we’re teaching them how to grow stronger, more confident, and more capable as they face the world.
A Final Thought for Parents and Teachers
To encourage resilience in children, it’s important to model positive behavior and help them develop coping skills. Praise effort, not just success. Celebrate how they solve problems and grow through challenges, rather than focusing only on the end result. And most importantly, show children that resilience is something they can build, just like any other skill. With time, patience, and practice, they’ll learn that no matter what happens, they have the power to bounce back.
If this is something your child is struggling with or you’d like to find out more, contact our wellbeing team for further information, sharon.portelli@education.vic.gov.au.
Inform and Empower Digital Safety and Wellbeing
Our students have recently participated in a cybersafety incursion at school to help them stay safe and manage their online experience.
Here are some age-appropriate Parents Tip Sheet to guide you child's use of the internet.
