Top Tips for Raising Resilient Children

In their current Units of Inquiry, the Grade 4 and Grade 5 students have been considering Growth Mindset and what it means for us as humans.

How can you, as parents or caregivers, sustain and foster the development of this attitude of growth and confidence, at home?

1. Remind them, again and again and again that their 'brains can get stronger'.

Having learnt all about how remarkable their brains are, the Grade 4s are super- aware that their brains can and do, change. It’s so important that we never stop reminding our children about this because the more they believe this, the more empowered they are to press on through difficulties and obstacles.

2. Value effort and progress over results.

True learning and understanding cannot be quantified. Why? Because we should know and understand that we NEVER stop learning! We are life-long learners and we’re never truly all-knowing. We must celebrate our progress not just achievements.

3. Acknowledge persistence.

When your child is making an effort towards a goal, or they’re trying hard to accomplish something, acknowledge their persistence rather than intervening and doing it for them.

4. Praise with intention and try not to gush.

Praise and encouragement is really important, but for it to be meaningful it must be specific and authentic. Rather than telling someone they’re great, tell them exactly what it is that they’ve done is great.

5. Understand that challenges and failure can be healthy if handled correctly.

Allow your child to fail or to struggle with things – don’t expect perfection all the time. Mistakes and challenges lead to learning – and ultimately that’s the intention. Don’t do things for them immediately when they struggle – it teaches children that they’re not good enough and fosters co-dependency and lack of confidence.

6. Leverage the power of “YET”.

When your child feels that they can’t do something. Remind them that they can’t do it …. YET!

7. Help them keep perspective when things get tough.

It’s really about keeping the BIG PICTURE in mind. All journeys in life have unexpected twists and turns – it’s how we manage those obstacles or unexpected surprises that determine how pleasant the journey is.

Love this journey, love your child and teach them to be patient with themselves – they CAN do it – it might just not be yet.