Building Resilience

Resilience is a key factor in young people succeeding through difficulty or failure, and it’s up to caring adults to support them in building the qualities they need to be resilient through life’s challenges. Not sure what those qualities are or how to even begin? The 7 C’s model is a great place to start! It’s a list of 7 things that help children build resilience:

• Competence
• Confidence
• Connection
• Character
• Contribution
• Coping
• Control

Some ways to help youth develop these qualities include allowing them to make mistakes and correct them, encourage ambitious but achievable goals, model conflict resolution by addressing conflict directly and openly, and create opportunities for them to help others and contribute to their community. 

For more on the 7 C’s model and more ways to help youth build these qualities and resistance, check out this resource from Option B.