Families who can cope with big and small stressors have resilience. Resilience often comes from resources such as faith, humor, supportive relationships and problem-solving skills. It helps us give our kids the nurturing care they need even when times are tough.
Recognizing your resilience
- What are your areas of strength?
- When you are under stress, what is most helpful to you?
- How do you celebrate and recognize your family’s race, culture, history and traditions?
- What are the actions that help you cope with everyday stress?
- What are some ways that you have protected your children from stress and its negative impacts?
Building resilience
- Get regular exercise.
- Celebrate your successes. Encourage yourself and your kids.
- Take a quiet walk.
- Look for the humor in the situation. Laugh.
- Listen to your favorite music.
- Meditate or pray.
- Do a mindfulness exercise.
- Keep a journal. Write down the things that are bothering you. Write down the things for which you are thankful.
- Talk with a trusted friend.
- Forgive others and yourself.
- Rest. Make sleep a priority.
- Remind yourself that you can get through this.
- Go somewhere that is new to you. Remove yourself from your stressful environment even if it is just a little while.
Learn more about protective factors for your family.