Raising the Anxious Generation: How to Nurture Resilience in Today’s Children​

Practical steps to Nurture Resilience

In recent years, there's been a noticeable rise in childhood anxiety, with factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, social media pressures, and overprotective parenting contributing to this trend. As parents and caregivers, it's crucial to understand these challenges and equip our children with the tools they need to navigate them.​

Understanding the Rise in Childhood Anxiety:

Children today face a myriad of stressors that previous generations did not. The constant connectivity of social media can expose them to cyberbullying and unrealistic comparisons. Academic pressures have intensified, and the recent global pandemic disrupted routines and created uncertainties. Moreover, parenting styles that shield children from failure or discomfort, though well-intentioned, can inadvertently hinder their ability to develop coping mechanisms.​

Practical Parenting Tips for Raising Resilient Children:

Encourage Emotional Expression and Validation

Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings. Listen actively and validate their emotions without judgment. This approach helps children feel understood and builds their emotional intelligence.

Foster a Growth Mindset

Teach your children that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. Praise their efforts rather than innate talents to instill perseverance and a love for learning.

Promote Problem-Solving Skills

Instead of immediately offering solutions, guide your children to think critically and come up with their own answers. This empowers them to handle challenges independently.

Allow Safe Failures

Let your children experience setbacks in a controlled environment, then reflect and learn from the experience. These experiences teach resilience and the understanding that failure is a part of growth.

Model Resilient Behaviour

Children learn by observing. Demonstrate how to handle stress and adversity calmly and constructively. Share your coping strategies and how you overcome challenges.

Encourage Independence

Assign age-appropriate responsibilities in the home and allow your children to make choices. This builds confidence and decision-making skills.

Maintain Open Communication

Regularly check in with your children about their feelings and experiences. Open dialogues foster trust and provide opportunities to address concerns early.

Promote Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Ensure your children get adequate sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, enhancing their ability to cope with stress.

Set Realistic Expectations

Encourage your children to strive for personal bests rather than perfection. Celebrate their efforts and progress to build self-esteem and motivation.

Seek Professional Help When Needed

If you notice persistent signs of anxiety or distress in your child, consult a mental health professional. Early intervention can provide them with the necessary support and coping strategies.

Raising resilient children in today's complex world requires intentional effort and adaptability. By fostering open communication, encouraging independence, and modeling resilience, parents can equip their children with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges confidently. Remember, it's not about eliminating all obstacles but teaching our children how to face them head-on with courage and resilience.

Be well,

Paula

Dr  Paula Robertson is a busy mom and a paediatrician with over twenty years' experience working with young people and their families. She is also a certified children's mindfulness teacher and Positive Discipline Parenting

coach. You can find out more at www.paulathedoctormom.com.

Our AI wellness assistant has contributed to the writing of this article