Helping Young People Take Charge of Their Thinking

Helping young people build resilience and a sense of control doesn’t have to be complicated, it starts with everyday conversations and small shifts in thinking.

Attitude-Behaviour-Results (ABR) and Resilience

The ABR and Resilience model reminds us that our attitude directly shapes our behaviour and the results we experience. When students view challenges with optimism and curiosity rather than frustration, they are more likely to persevere and find solutions. Families can support this at home by encouraging students to reframe setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, helping them build stronger resilience and confidence when things don’t go to plan. 

To explain more on this please review the following video and fact sheet.

Locus of Control

The Locus of Control fact sheet and video explores how our sense of control influences motivation and stress. Students with an internal locus of control believe they can influence their outcomes through effort and choice, which promotes responsibility, persistence, and self-belief. Parents can nurture this mindset by prompting reflective questions such as, “What can you control here?” or “What choices do you have?” helping young people focus on what they can do, rather than what they can’t.

Resilience and Locus of Control

This resource links resilience to our belief in personal control. Research shows that students who see themselves as active participants in their experiences cope better with stress and adapt more effectively to change. Supporting children to recognise their influence, even in small ways, builds confidence, emotional regulation, and a positive sense of agency. Together, we can help students feel capable, empowered, and ready to thrive in life’s ups and downs.