Resilience is a fundamental skill in childhood and adolescence, especially in children who have faced adverse situations. It involves the ability to overcome difficulties, adapt to changes, and emerge stronger from challenging experiences.
In the area of intervention with minors, Fostering resilience is key for children and adolescents to be able to face their reality with appropriate emotional and social tools, developing a sense of control over their lives and greater confidence in their future.
In this article, we'll explore what resilience is, what factors influence its development, and what strategies can be implemented to strengthen it in children in vulnerable contexts.
What is resilience and why is it important in childhood?
Resilience is defined as a person's ability to cope with and overcome difficult situations, adapting positively to changes and challenges. In childhood, this concept takes on special relevance., since the environment, the experiences and relationships that minors establish can promote or hinder their personal and emotional development.
It is not about preventing minors from facing difficulties, but rather to help them develop internal and external resources that allow them to manage these situations constructively. In this sense, resilience is a capacity that can be strengthened through appropriate support and access to a safe and nurturing environment.
Factors that can influence children's resilience:
- Adverse experiences: Family changes, financial difficulties, abuse or abandonment, among others. Social and family support: the presence of relevant adults who provide emotional support and security.
- Educational and community environment: access to education, leisure activities and social participation.
- Personal skills: self-esteem, self-confidence and problem-solving skills.
While circumstances may be difficult for some children, resilience is a dynamic process that can be strengthened with appropriate strategies.
Factors that influence children's resilience
For a child to develop resilience, it is important for them to have protective factors that help them cope positively with adverse situations. These factors can be internal (specific to the child) or external (related to their environment).
Internal protective factors
- Self-esteem and perception of self-efficacyChildren who perceive themselves as capable of facing challenges and solving problems are more likely to develop resilience. Fostering a positive self-image helps them trust their abilities and face difficulties with greater confidence.
- Emotional and social skillsThe ability to identify and manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively with others contributes to the development of resilience.
- Sense of purpose and personal goalsHaving goals, no matter how small, helps children develop motivation and hope for their future.
External protective factors
- Secure emotional bondsSupport from family members, educators, or adult role models provides a stable and protective environment where children can feel understood and supported.
- Educational and recreational opportunitiesAccess to education, sports, art, or social participation activities helps children discover their talents and find spaces where they feel valued.
- A structured and predictable environmentChildren need routines, clear rules, and stability in their environment to develop security and self-confidence.
When these factors are present, children can better cope with challenges and develop a greater capacity for adaptation.
Strategies to strengthen resilience in interventions with minors
Professionals working with children and adolescents in vulnerable contexts can apply various strategies to foster resilience in children.
- Create safe and caring environments: It is essential that children feel they are in a space where they are valued, listened to, and respected. An environment of emotional safety strengthens their confidence and their ability to face challenges.
- Promote emotional expression and emotion management: Promoting spaces where children can talk about their feelings without fear of judgment allows them to develop skills to manage stress and frustration.
- Strengthen self-esteem and confidence in your abilities:
- Recognize their achievements, no matter how small they may be.
- Promote autonomy in decision-making.
Offer them challenges tailored to their abilities so they feel they can overcome obstacles.
Foster supportive and belonging relationships
Connections with significant others (family, educators, friends) are key to developing resilience. Providing positive socialization environments helps children feel supported and understood.
- Promote problem solving and positive thinking
- Teaching children and adolescents strategies for dealing with conflicts and making decisions gives them tools to manage difficult situations more effectively.
- Provide learning and participation opportunitiesResilience is also built through experience. Allowing children to participate in educational, sports, or artistic activities helps strengthen their sense of accomplishment and belonging.
Benefits of working on resilience in childhood
Promoting resilience has positive effects at the individual, educational and social levels.
For the minor:
- Development of a greater capacity to cope with difficulties.
- Reinforcement of self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Improves emotional management and social skills.
For professionals and educators:
- It promotes a more effective intervention.
- It allows reducing risk situations and conflicts.
- Promotes a work approach based on motivation and positive reinforcement.
For society:
- Contributes to the integration of minors into the community.
- Promotes a culture of effort, resilience and improvement.
- It facilitates the construction of more inclusive and empathetic social environments.
Resilience is a key tool for child development, especially for children who have faced vulnerable situations. Support from significant adults, access to educational and recreational opportunities, and reinforcement of emotional and social skills can make a difference in their ability to overcome adversity.
From the intervention with minors, working on resilience is an investment in their present and future well-being, helping them develop a positive self-image and the world around them.
Every child has the potential to overcome their difficulties if they have the right support and tools. Resilience not only helps us face challenges, but also fosters personal growth and the building of a future full of possibilities.
