Never Give Up Day (18th August)
- Skylight Trust
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
We've Got This!
Building Your Child or Teen’s Resilience
Growing up in today's world offers many challenges for our tamariki and rangatahi. Alongside the stresses of schooling and issues at home, they are also navigating the realities of climate change, social media, economic uncertainty, and the rapidly changing impacts of AI.
Parents and caring adults play an important role in helping tamariki and rangatahi build resilience to meet these challenges. Simple things like showing kindness, compassion, and understanding, along with teaching and modelling practical life skills, can make a big difference.
Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa Let us keep close together, not wide apart.
Research shows emotional resilience is fostered when tamariki and rangatahi can engage in challenges and push out of their comfort zones in a safe, supportive environment.
Each child is different and has different needs. See whether any of the following could be put in place or reinforced.
Having a strong support network of family, whānau, friends, and other caring adults.
Feeling valued and knowing others care about them and believe in their potential.
Encouraging help-seeking and letting them know who they can turn to.
Feeling a sense of belonging (either at school or in their community).
Giving them opportunities to problem-solve, make decisions, set goals, and navigate responsibility.
Helping them recognise their own strengths and abilities.
Respecting others and themselves, and showing empathy, understanding that everyone has something to offer.
Encouraging them to be creative and open to new ideas or perspectives.
Having a sense of humour and being able to see the lighter side of things.
Practising positive thinking, positive self-talk, and gratitude in daily life.
Providing access to counselling support, including mental health and addiction services if needed.
Being in environments (like schools or clubs) that actively support anti-bullying and respectful behaviour.
Remember, resilience is all about expanding the window of tolerance to navigate challenges. Tamariki and rangatahi will make mistakes along the way; that's part of learning.
If you or someone you know is facing tough times Skylight can offer support through counselling and/or referral to other organisations. Helpful publications are available via our online shop or email a short narrative of the situation to our resource centre.
