RAISING RESILIENT KIDS

The lockdown is asking a lot of our children. Here’s how to help them cope with courage and ease BY KIM ARENDSE

- KIM ARENDSE

WHEN kids are resilient they’re more adaptable, more curious, more motivated. They’re better able to bounce back from difficulties and challenges. And the fact is there’s never been a more challenging time.

There’s the stress of being cooped up during lockdown, the pressure of keeping up with schoolwork at home, and the fear and anxiety brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It could be argued that teaching your child resilience is more important than ever. We face an uncertain future, and equipping them with a skill that will help them navigate this is invaluable.

“These are unusual and trying times, not only in South Africa but in the world,” says Jodi Lord, a counselor specializing in play therapy, from Cape Town. “Change is hard, and a resilient child will feel less fearful and tackle challenges with curiosity and bravery.”

Thankfully, resilience is something that can be taught and developed, adds Anita Prag, a clinical psychologist from Cape Town. “To endure hardship and overcome it develops our ability to see that there’s hope even when it’s not obvious.”

Here’s how you can help your child learn this all-important skill.

1 LET THEM MAKE MISTAKES

“Too many people have been taught that failure is wrong, which diminishes how we feel about ourselves – we think we’re not worthy, not lovable or bad human beings for making a mistake,” Prag says.