Emotional Resilience in Kids Archives

19 Feb 2025

How Connection and Awareness Help Kids Thrive

As parents and those who support kids, we all want to see them thrive—not just in school, but in life. Sure, teaching curriculum and life skills is important, but what really helps kids thrive is connection and awareness.

Connection builds trust, and awareness helps you see the world through a child’s eyes—their interests, emotions, and the way they learn. When you pay attention to what excites them, what challenges them, and what makes learning click for them, you not only unlock their potential, but you also create a space where they feel truly valued.

Take my son, for example. He struggled with math until he started working with a tutor who really ‘gets him.’ The tutor connects through my son’s love for sports, using hockey and baseball to explain math, which makes it a lot more engaging. The result? A huge boost in his confidence and grades.

This is what I know: When we take the time to recognize and nurture what makes each child unique, we’re not just supporting their education—we’re helping kids thrive by creating a space where they feel valued.

Until next time,

23 Oct 2024

Feedback – Hurtful to Helpful

When feedback is shared with our children, it might hurt at first, particularly if it seems critical. It’s natural for kids to take things personally and feel defensive, upset or disappointed. This is where we can step in and guide them toward a different way of thinking. Transitioning feedback from hurtful to helpful can make a significant difference.

My son came home visibly frustrated after receiving feedback from his coaches. When I asked him what was said, the words didn’t seem harsh. It was his interpretation of those words that was fueling his frustration. This inspired a family exercise we now call ‘Hurtful vs. Helpful’.

I sat Kai down and asked him again what his coach had said. Then, I followed up with: “What is your mind telling you about those words?”

His response revealed why he was so upset: “My mind is telling me I’m not good enough. They don’t think I’m good enough.”

I then asked him: “What if your coaches weren’t trying to hurt you but were actually trying to help you? What if they believe in your potential and want to see you improve, and that’s why they gave you this feedback?”

We discussed how we can’t control what others say or how they say it. However, we do have control over how we interpret their words and what we tell ourselves about what was said. This helps in turning hurtful feedback into something helpful.

I asked, “If you saw their feedback as them trying to help you because they believe in you, how would that change how you feel?”

After a pause, he said, “I’d feel happier.”

I then asked, “And if you felt happier, what would you choose to do next?”

He replied, “I’d try what they’re suggesting.”

This is what I know: How kids perceive feedback affects their emotions, which in turn influences their behavior, choices and mindset. Teaching them to understand that feedback can be seen as hurtful or helpful, allows them to focus on the positive aspects which will benefit them now and in the future.

Until next time…

11 Sep 2024

Transform Your Child’s Relationships

Guiding your child to understand the value of being a good friend lays the foundation for positive connections and meaningful relationships.

My son and I frequently discuss the kind of person and friend he wants to be, focusing on the qualities that make for a true friend.

Each morning, before Kai leaves for school, I ask him to choose a specific character trait to guide his choices throughout the day. Today, he chose ‘kindness,’ which sparked a conversation about ways he could show it— keep promises and be dependable, showing that he can be counted on and support his friends in situations where they might need help.

I shared with him a piece of wisdom I’ve realized over time: when showing kindness feels difficult, it’s often because emotions like anger, sadness, jealousy, or disappointment are getting in the way.

By helping your child see that their emotions affect their choices, they are strengthening their self-awareness, resilience and their ability to connect and create friendships.

Until next time…