How can practitioners encourage resilience in young children?

Practitioners can encourage resilience in young children by providing strong support and fostering relationships. This approach involves creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe and valued. When children have positive relationships with caregivers, they are more likely to develop a sense of security, which is essential for building resilience.

Strong support can manifest through active listening, encouragement, and guidance during challenging situations, allowing children to navigate difficulties while knowing that they have a reliable network of support. This support also helps children to learn how to cope with stress and setbacks, ultimately leading to greater emotional strength and adaptability.

In contrast, discouraging independent problem-solving, creating a highly structured environment without choice, or ignoring children’s emotional needs would hinder the development of resilience. These approaches can lead to feelings of helplessness, limited autonomy, and an inability to manage emotional challenges effectively. Therefore, fostering relationships and providing robust support is key to encouraging resilience in young children.