7 Ways to Raise Resilient Kids
Why do some kids bounce back after setbacks while others seem to struggle? The answer lies in resilience—a child’s ability to adapt and grow stronger in the face of adversity.
In psychology, resilience is often defined as the ability to adapt well during stress, trauma, or hardship. And in today’s world, nurturing resilience in kids is more critical than ever.
The 7 Cs of Resilience
Developed by pediatrician and resilience expert Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, the 7 Cs are key building blocks that help children develop the strength they need to navigate life’s ups and downs. Here’s how you can support each one:
#1: Competence
Developing competence builds the foundation for resilience. When children recognize their strengths and abilities, they begin to see themselves as capable of handling whatever life throws at them.
You can help your child feel competent by nurturing their unique talents, praising effort over outcome, and giving them space to try—and sometimes fail—on their own. These experiences boost self-esteem and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone, growing new skills in the process.
#2: Confidence
Confidence empowers kids to explore new challenges and bounce back from failure. It gives them the belief that they can face hard things and keep going.
Support confidence by giving children opportunities to try age-appropriate tasks on their own. Celebrate effort, not just results, and remind them that mistakes are a natural part of learning. Confidence is essential to building long-term resilience.
#3: Connection
Connection is one of the most powerful protective factors when building resilience. Feeling supported gives children the emotional anchor they need to face tough times.
Help kids develop a sense of belonging by connecting them with peers and mentors through clubs, sports, youth groups, or school activities. A child who feels seen, loved, and accepted is more likely to weather emotional storms with strength.
#4: Coping
Healthy coping skills help kids manage stress, solve problems, and regulate emotions—all critical components of resilience.
You can support coping by modeling calm responses to stress, teaching kids healthy tools like deep breathing, journaling, or movement, and giving them chances to practice. When children have access to these tools, they’re better prepared to face life’s inevitable challenges.
#5: Control
Kids who believe they have some control over their lives are more likely to engage, make decisions, and take ownership of their outcomes. This sense of agency is a major contributor to resilience.
Give your child choices and involve them in decisions where appropriate. Creating opportunities for kids to problem-solve and make meaningful decisions builds critical thinking skills and increases their sense of capability.
#6: Character
Character is shaped by knowing what you stand for and choosing to act in alignment with your values. It’s the moral compass that helps kids stay grounded, even in tough situations.
You can help your child build character by talking about your family’s values, recognizing acts of kindness and integrity, and emphasizing empathy. Kids with strong character are better able to make decisions that reflect who they want to be—even under pressure.
#7: Contribution
When kids feel that they matter and can make a difference, they’re more likely to believe they have a place in the world. This belief reinforces confidence, connection, and a resilient mindset.
Encourage contribution through volunteering, helping others, or simple acts of kindness. When we thank kids for their efforts and highlight the good they bring to others, we show them they’re not just recipients of care—they’re capable of giving it, too.
Building Resilience—One Day at a Time
Resilience isn’t something kids are born with—it’s something we build together, through daily actions, encouragement, and trust. By focusing on the 7 Cs, we create the conditions where children not only bounce back—but soar.
Need Support?
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) provides a wide range of mental health care to build resilience in kids and families. Contact us online to get involved today.
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