Resilience, the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges and adversity, is a vital life skill that can significantly enhance a child's emotional and psychological well-being. Early childhood is a formative period in a child’s development, making it an ideal time to lay the foundation for resilience. Supporting children in these early years to build resilience can set them on a path to better cope with life's challenges as they grow older. Here are several ways in which we can support children in early years to develop this crucial trait.

1. Fostering Secure Attachments

One of the most important factors in building resilience in young children is the establishment of secure attachments with caregivers, parents, and educators. Secure attachment creates a safe base from which children can explore the world and learn how to manage their emotions. When children feel loved, supported, and safe, they are more likely to develop the confidence to tackle challenges and navigate emotional ups and downs.

Caregivers can foster secure attachments by being emotionally available and responsive to children's needs. This means paying attention to the child's cues, offering comfort when needed, and providing consistent care. Positive interactions, such as hugs, eye contact, and verbal reassurances, can also strengthen this bond, promoting a sense of safety and trust. When children feel secure, they are better able to handle stress and setbacks, knowing they have the support of their caregivers.

2. Teaching Problem-Solving Skills

Resilience involves not only the ability to recover from adversity but also the capacity to find solutions when faced with challenges. Teaching children how to problem-solve effectively is a key way to support their resilience. Encouraging children to approach problems methodically, rather than feeling helpless or overwhelmed, can boost their confidence and ability to tackle difficulties on their own.

Adults can help by presenting challenges in a way that encourages exploration and curiosity. For example, when a child encounters a problem—whether it’s building a tower that keeps falling down or figuring out how to share a toy—caregivers can ask guiding questions: "What could you try next?" or "What else could we do?" By modelling patience and persistence, adults can show children that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow.

3. Promoting Emotional Expression and Regulation

Building resilience also requires children to understand and manage their emotions. Encouraging emotional expression is critical for this development. Children need to know that it is normal to feel frustrated, sad, or anxious, and that they can express these feelings in healthy ways.

Caregivers can model emotional regulation by verbalizing their own emotions and demonstrating how they cope with stress. For example, saying, "I feel frustrated right now, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths," shows children that it’s okay to have difficult emotions and that there are strategies to manage them. Adults should also help children label their emotions, for example, "You seem really upset that the puzzle piece doesn’t fit. It’s okay to feel frustrated."

In addition to emotional expression, teaching calming techniques such as deep breathing, counting to ten, or using a quiet space when overwhelmed can equip children with tools to self-regulate. Over time, children learn to use these techniques to manage their emotions independently, which is a key aspect of resilience.

4. Encouraging Positive Self-Talk and Growth Mindset

Helping children develop a positive inner dialogue is a powerful way to support resilience. Children who learn to use positive self-talk and embrace a growth mindset are more likely to persevere through setbacks and believe in their ability to improve.

Instead of focusing on failure, caregivers can praise effort and persistence. For example, when a child struggles to complete a task, saying things like, "You worked really hard on that" or "I can see you’re trying your best" helps shift the focus away from the result and emphasizes the value of effort. Teaching children that their abilities can grow through practice—"You didn’t get it this time, but you’ll get better with more practice"—helps them view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

5. Creating a Safe and Predictable Environment

Resilience thrives in environments that are stable, predictable, and safe. Children who have a sense of security are better able to manage stress and adapt to new situations. Creating a predictable daily routine helps children feel more confident in their environment, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of control. Knowing what to expect—such as when playtime, meals, and rest occur—provides children with a sense of stability that can buffer against feelings of uncertainty.

In addition to consistency in routine, caregivers can create a physically and emotionally safe environment where children feel free to explore and experiment. This environment should allow children to make mistakes, learn from them, and try again without fear of harsh judgment or criticism. An emotionally safe space fosters resilience by allowing children to experience and learn from setbacks in a supportive, non-threatening way.

6. Promoting Social Connections and Empathy

Social skills and the ability to connect with others are integral to resilience. Children who are able to form positive relationships with peers and adults are better equipped to navigate social challenges and emotional difficulties. Encouraging cooperative play, sharing, and communication helps children develop empathy and social awareness—skills that are essential for building resilience.

Caregivers can support social resilience by teaching children how to resolve conflicts constructively. Role-playing scenarios where children practice sharing, taking turns, and using words to express their feelings can help them develop essential interpersonal skills. Helping children understand how others might feel in a given situation promotes empathy and emotional intelligence, enabling children to manage relationships more effectively.

Conclusion

Building resilience in early years children is not about making them immune to challenges but equipping them with the tools to cope with and learn from adversity. By fostering secure attachments, teaching problem-solving, promoting emotional regulation, encouraging positive self-talk, creating a predictable environment, and supporting social connections, caregivers can help children develop the resilience they need to thrive in the face of life’s inevitable ups and downs. With these foundational skills, children are better prepared to navigate the challenges of childhood, adolescence, and beyond, leading to healthier, more fulfilling lives.