32 Things Parents Of Resilient Kids Always Do According To The Child Development Experts

If you’re reading this, it means you’re ready to raise kids who can weather any storm with a smile.

As a child development enthusiast, I’ve gathered insights from experts on what makes children resilient. Spoiler: It’s all about the little things parents do!

This isn’t a list of impossible tasks; it’s a collection of everyday actions that can transform your child’s ability to bounce back from challenges. So, let’s get started!

1. Valida sus sentimientos

One thing I’ve noticed about parents who seem to have unshakeable kids is how they validate their feelings. It’s not just about saying, ‘I understand,’ but really tuning in and showing empathy. Imagine your little one is upset about a scraped knee or a lost toy. Instead of brushing it off, these parents take a moment to acknowledge that for their child, this is a big deal. They say things like, ‘I see you’re upset, and that’s okay.’ This simple act teaches children that their emotions are valid, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience.

By validating feelings, parents help kids understand that emotions aren’t something to be feared or avoided. They’re just a part of life. I often see parents using phrases like, ‘It’s okay to feel sad,’ and ‘Let’s talk about what you’re feeling.’

These words can be incredibly powerful. They create a safe space where kids feel understood and supported, allowing them to express themselves freely. And when kids feel safe expressing emotions, they’re better equipped to handle the ups and downs of life.

2. Fomentar la resolución de problemas

In my experience, resilient kids often have parents who love encouraging problem-solving skills. They don’t just hand out solutions; they nudge their children to think for themselves.

When a problem arises, rather than jumping in to fix it, these parents ask questions like, ‘What do you think we can do about this?’ or ‘How might we solve this together?’ It’s about guiding, not dictating, and it helps children develop their own problem-solving toolkit.

It’s fascinating to watch how kids light up when they crack a problem on their own. The sense of accomplishment is palpable. I remember a friend sharing how she watched her son figure out how to fix a broken toy using tape and some good old-fashioned ingenuity.

Fue un momento de orgullo no sólo para él, sino también para ella. Fomentar la resolución de problemas favorece la independencia y la confianza en uno mismo, dos componentes cruciales de la resiliencia.

3. Modelo de resiliencia

Ever notice how kids watch your every move? It’s like they have this superhero radar tuned into what you do, not just what you say. Parents of resilient children often model resilience themselves.

When life throws a curveball, these parents don’t shy away from showing how they cope. Whether it’s a job setback or a minor household mishap, they handle it with grace and a positive attitude, demonstrating to their children that setbacks are just part of the journey.

It’s these everyday actions and reactions that speak volumes. Kids see how resilience is not just about bouncing back, but about how you handle the bounce. So next time you’re faced with a little hiccup, remember, your kids are watching and learning how to be resilient themselves.

4. Fomentar la independencia

One thing I’ve consistently observed among parents of resilient kids is their encouragement of independence. They give their children the space to try things on their own, even if it means failing a few times.

It might be something as simple as letting a toddler dress themselves or encouraging a teenager to handle their own school projects. This trust in their child’s ability to figure things out sends a powerful message: ‘I believe in you.’

This approach helps kids develop their own sense of agency. I once watched a friend let her 5-year-old make their own sandwich. Sure, there was peanut butter on the counter and a bit of a mess, but the look of pride on that child’s face was priceless.

It’s these small acts that help build the confidence needed to face bigger challenges. Parents who encourage independence are essentially saying, ‘You’ve got this,’ and it’s amazing how much kids rise to the occasion.

5. Establecer expectativas realistas

Setting realistic expectations is a hallmark of parents with resilient children. They don’t expect perfection and understand that mistakes are part of the learning process

En lugar de presionar a sus hijos para que sean los mejores en todo, se centran en el esfuerzo, el crecimiento y la alegría de aprender. Este enfoque reduce el estrés y fomenta una actitud sana ante los retos y los fracasos.

I’ve seen how beneficial this can be through a friend who always tells her kids, ‘It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you’re trying your best.’

This simple mantra takes the pressure off and allows kids to embrace learning with an open mind. By setting realistic expectations, parents teach their children that success isn’t about never failing but about trying and persevering.

6. Enseñar estrategias de afrontamiento

Parents of resilient children often equip their kids with coping strategies to handle stress and anxiety. It’s like giving them a toolkit for life’s challenges. From deep breathing to positive visualization, these techniques help children manage their emotions and feel more in control when things get tough.

By introducing coping strategies early on, parents are setting their children up for success. It’s about providing them with the tools they need to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence.

So take the time to explore different techniques with your child and find what works best for them. It’s an investment in their emotional well-being and resilience that will pay off in spades.

7. Fomentar una mentalidad de crecimiento

Ever heard of a growth mindset? It’s the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Los padres de niños resilientes suelen fomentar esta mentalidad, animando a sus hijos a ver los retos como oportunidades para crecer en lugar de obstáculos a los que temer.

When children understand that they can improve and learn from their mistakes, they’re more likely to take risks and try new things.

8. Construir relaciones sólidas

Fortalecer las relaciones es un componente clave para criar niños resilientes. Los padres que invierten tiempo en establecer vínculos sólidos con sus hijos crean un entorno seguro y afectuoso en el que los niños se sienten valorados y comprendidos. Esta sensación de seguridad ayuda a los niños a desarrollar la confianza necesaria para afrontar los retos.

I’ve seen how powerful this can be through a family I know who makes it a point to have regular game nights. It’s not just about the games; it’s about the laughter, the bonding, and the memories created together. These shared experiences fortify the family unit and provide children with a solid support system.

Building strong relationships isn’t just about spending time together; it’s about being present and engaged. So whether it’s sharing a meal, taking a walk, or just chatting about the day, these moments of connection are invaluable. They create a foundation of trust and love that will support your child as they navigate life’s ups and downs.

9. Fomentar la autoconversación positiva

Positive self-talk is a powerful tool that parents of resilient kids often encourage. It’s about helping children develop an inner voice that supports rather than criticizes.

Al enseñar a los niños a sustituir los pensamientos negativos por afirmaciones positivas, los padres les capacitan para afrontar los retos con confianza.

The next time your child is feeling down or discouraged, remind them to speak kindly to themselves. Encourage them to use affirmations like, ‘I am capable,’ or ‘I am strong.’ These positive messages can become their go-to support system, helping them stay resilient in the face of adversity.

10. Fomentar la curiosidad

La curiosidad es un rasgo natural que los padres de niños resilientes suelen fomentar. Animan a sus hijos a hacer preguntas, explorar nuevas ideas y buscar experiencias de aprendizaje.

By encouraging curiosity, parents help their children develop critical thinking skills and a flexible mindset. It’s about fostering a love of learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.

So the next time your child asks a question, take the opportunity to explore the answer together. It’s these moments of curiosity that build resilient, lifelong learners.

11. Practicar la gratitud

Practicing gratitude is a habit that parents of resilient kids often cultivate. By focusing on the positive aspects of life, they teach their children to appreciate what they have rather than dwell on what they lack. This mindset shift can significantly enhance a child’s resilience and overall well-being.

I know a family who has a tradition of sharing one thing they’re grateful for during dinner. It’s a simple practice, but it helps everyone focus on the good in their lives. This ritual not only strengthens their family bond but also encourages a positive outlook, even in challenging times.

Encouraging gratitude in everyday life helps kids learn to see the silver lining in difficult situations. So whether it’s through a gratitude journal, a bedtime reflection, or a dinner table tradition, find a way to incorporate gratitude into your family’s routine. It’s these small practices that build a resilient and positive mindset.

12. Hacer hincapié en el esfuerzo más que en los resultados

One thing I’ve noticed about parents with resilient children is how they emphasize effort over outcome. Instead of focusing on winning or achieving perfect results, they celebrate the hard work and dedication their kids put into tasks. This approach helps children develop a growth mindset and resilience.

Cuando hacemos hincapié en el esfuerzo, enseñamos a nuestros hijos que la persistencia y la determinación son más valiosas que el éxito inmediato.

13. Fomentar la reflexión

Fomentar la reflexión es una práctica que los padres de niños resilientes suelen inculcar. Al tomarse tiempo para pensar sobre sus experiencias, los niños pueden obtener valiosas percepciones y aprender de sus errores. Este hábito les ayuda a desarrollar la autoconciencia y la resiliencia.

La reflexión es una herramienta poderosa para el crecimiento personal y la resiliencia. Permite a los niños procesar sus emociones y experiencias, lo que conduce a una mayor autocomprensión.

So consider encouraging your child to reflect on their day, perhaps through journaling or simply talking about their experiences. It’s these reflective moments that build a resilient and insightful mindset.

14. Permitir las consecuencias naturales

Permitir las consecuencias naturales es una estrategia que suelen adoptar los padres de niños resilientes. En lugar de proteger a sus hijos de cualquier error, les permiten experimentar las consecuencias naturales, ya sean positivas o negativas. Este enfoque de aprendizaje práctico enseña importantes lecciones de vida y fomenta la resiliencia.

By allowing natural consequences, parents help their children understand that actions have repercussions. It’s about learning from mistakes and growing from the experience.

Let them experience it and guide them in learning from it. It’s these learning moments that build resilient and responsible individuals.

15. Fomentar el trabajo en equipo

Fomentar el trabajo en equipo es un rasgo común entre los padres de niños resilientes. Al fomentar la colaboración y la cooperación, ayudan a sus hijos a desarrollar habilidades sociales y resiliencia.

El trabajo en equipo enseña a los niños a comunicarse, a comprometerse y a trabajar por un objetivo común. Cuando los niños aprenden a trabajar con otros, desarrollan la empatía y la comprensión.

They realize that they don’t have to face challenges alone and that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. It’s these teamwork experiences that build resilient and socially adept individuals.

16. Promover la asunción de riesgos saludables

Promoting healthy risk-taking is a trait that parents of resilient children often share. They encourage their kids to step out of their comfort zones and try new things, even if it means facing potential failure.

Este planteamiento ayuda a los niños a desarrollar confianza y resistencia. Animar a los niños a asumir riesgos les ayuda a aprender a evaluar situaciones, tomar decisiones y superar el miedo.

17. Proporcionar rutinas coherentes

Proporcionar rutinas constantes es una práctica que los padres de niños resilientes suelen priorizar. Las rutinas crean una sensación de estabilidad y previsibilidad que ayuda a los niños a sentirse seguros y en control. Esta base de coherencia favorece la resiliencia al permitir que los niños se centren en el crecimiento y el aprendizaje.

Al establecer rutinas, los padres dan a sus hijos un marco para desenvolverse en la vida cotidiana. Les ayuda a desarrollar la capacidad de organización y el sentido de la responsabilidad.

So consider creating routines that work for your family, whether it’s a morning ritual or a weekly family night. It’s these consistent practices that build resilient and well-adjusted individuals.

18. Enseñar empatía

Enseñar empatía es un rasgo que los padres de niños resilientes suelen destacar. Al animar a los niños a comprender y compartir los sentimientos de los demás, los padres les ayudan a desarrollar fuertes conexiones sociales e inteligencia emocional, componentes clave de la resiliencia.

Cuando los niños aprenden a empatizar con los demás, construyen relaciones sólidas y una comunidad solidaria.

They understand that they’re not alone in their struggles and that helping others can also bring joy and fulfillment.

19. Fomentar la atención plena

Fomentar la atención plena es una práctica que los padres de niños resilientes suelen adoptar. Al enseñar a los niños a estar presentes y ser conscientes de sus pensamientos y sentimientos, los padres les ayudan a desarrollar la regulación emocional y la resiliencia.

Mindfulness helps children develop self-awareness and focus, essential skills for resilience. It’s these moments of mindfulness that build resilient and emotionally balanced individuals.

20. Celebrar la diversidad

Celebrar la diversidad es un valor que los padres de niños resilientes suelen defender. Al exponer a sus hijos a diferentes culturas, ideas y perspectivas, los padres les ayudan a desarrollar la empatía y la comprensión, componentes clave de la resiliencia.

Cuando los niños aprenden a celebrar la diversidad, desarrollan una mentalidad global y un aprecio por la riqueza del mundo que les rodea. Comprenden que las diferencias son algo que hay que aceptar, no temer.

21. Fomentar la creatividad

Fomentar la creatividad es una práctica que los padres de niños resilientes suelen cultivar.

Cuando los niños participan en actividades creativas, aprenden a abordar los problemas con una mente abierta y a encontrar soluciones innovadoras.

So encourage your child to explore their creativity, whether through art, music, or storytelling. It’s these creative experiences that build resilient and imaginative individuals.

22. Apoyar la expresión emocional

Supporting emotional expression is a practice that parents of resilient children often prioritize. I know a mom who always makes sure to ask her son how he’s feeling after a tough day. It’s not just about talking; it’s about listening and validating his emotions.

Cuando los niños aprenden a expresar sus emociones, adquieren una conciencia emocional y unas habilidades de afrontamiento sólidas.

23. Fomentar el autocuidado

Encouraging self-care is a trait that parents of resilient children often emphasize. By teaching kids to take care of themselves physically and emotionally, parents help them develop resilience and well-being.

Cuando los niños aprenden a dar prioridad al autocuidado, desarrollan su resiliencia al reconocer sus necesidades y tomar medidas para satisfacerlas.

24. Fomentar el sentido del humor

Fomentar el sentido del humor es una práctica que los padres de niños resilientes suelen adoptar. Al fomentar la risa y la alegría, los padres ayudan a sus hijos a desarrollar resiliencia y una visión positiva de la vida.

When children learn to see the lighter side of life, they develop resilience by keeping things in perspective. So encourage your child to laugh and find humor in everyday moments. It’s these joyful experiences that build resilient and happy individuals.

25. Fomentar el voluntariado

Fomentar el voluntariado es un valor que los padres de niños resilientes suelen defender. Al implicar a sus hijos en servicios comunitarios, los padres les ayudan a desarrollar la empatía, la compasión y la resiliencia.

When children engage in volunteer activities, they learn to appreciate what they have and develop a sense of purpose. It’s these volunteer experiences that build resilient and compassionate individuals.

26. Fomentar la perseverancia

Fomentar la perseverancia es un rasgo que los padres de niños resilientes suelen destacar. Al enseñar a sus hijos a seguir adelante a pesar de los contratiempos, los padres les ayudan a desarrollar resiliencia y determinación.

Cuando los niños aprenden a perseverar, desarrollan su resiliencia al comprender que el éxito suele requerir esfuerzo y dedicación.

27. Fomentar una comunicación sana

Fomentar una comunicación sana es una práctica que los padres de niños resilientes suelen priorizar. Al fomentar el diálogo abierto y sincero, los padres ayudan a sus hijos a desarrollar relaciones sólidas y resiliencia emocional.

So encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings openly. It’s these communication skills that build resilient and socially adept individuals.

28. Fomentar el optimismo

Los padres de niños resilientes suelen fomentar el optimismo. Al enseñar a sus hijos a ver el lado positivo de las situaciones, los padres les ayudan a desarrollar resiliencia y una perspectiva esperanzadora.

When children learn to approach life with optimism, they build resilience by focusing on possibilities rather than limitations. It’s these optimistic perspectives that build resilient and hopeful individuals.

29. Hacer hincapié en el juego al aire libre

Outdoor play is more than just fun; it’s a crucial aspect of developing resilience in children. By exploring nature, children learn to navigate new environments, face challenges, and develop problem-solving skills.

Al aire libre, los niños se enfrentan a elementos imprevisibles, como el tiempo y el terreno, que les enseñan adaptabilidad e ingenio.

Parents who prioritize outdoor activities provide their children with valuable experiences that foster independence and confidence. These natural lessons prepare them for life’s varied challenges.

30. Apoyar el aprendizaje del fracaso

Experiencing failure is a part of life, and learning from it is essential for building resilience. Parents who frame failures as learning opportunities help their children develop a growth mindset.

Hablando de lo que ha ido mal y explorando formas de mejorar, los niños aprenden que los reveses no son el final, sino un peldaño hacia el éxito. Este enfoque fomenta la perseverancia y una actitud positiva ante los retos, lo que permite a los niños recuperarse de las decepciones.

31. Encourage Adaptability

Adaptability is a key trait of resilient children, and parents who nurture this skill help their kids thrive in an ever-changing world. Instead of shielding them from change, they teach their children how to adjust and embrace new situations with confidence.

For instance, when plans suddenly shift or a routine is disrupted, these parents model flexibility by saying, “Things didn’t go as expected, but we can figure it out together.” This reassures children that change is manageable, not something to fear.

By encouraging adaptability, parents equip their children with the mindset to handle uncertainty and challenges with ease. It’s these everyday moments of adjusting and problem-solving that build resilience and confidence in the long run.

32. Teach the Power of Perspective

Parents of resilient children help their kids develop perspective by encouraging them to see situations from different angles. When a child faces disappointment, like losing a game or struggling with schoolwork, these parents guide them to reframe the situation in a more constructive light.

Instead of dwelling on setbacks, they might ask, “What’s something you learned from this?” or “How could this help you in the future?” This shift in thinking teaches kids that difficulties are temporary and often come with valuable lessons.

By fostering perspective, parents help their children develop emotional resilience and a balanced approach to life’s ups and downs. It’s these moments of reflection that shape a child’s ability to bounce back stronger.