We all want our kids to be happy. But no one’s happy all the time, so we need to choose a more realistic goal. By focusing on the skill of resiliency—the ability to cope with distress—we can help young people deal with stress, setbacks, and even failure.
Bouncing Back
You can’t shield your kids from tough emotions. Instead, when children experience distress, try being honest and present. Have a heart-to-heart conversation. By encouraging your kids to acknowledge and explore their feelings, they’ll learn to regulate their emotional lives—and quickly bounce back from adversity.