How to develop emotional resilience in children

It is very important that children learn to cope with adversity. This helps with resilience in children. When children feel better quickly after a problem, we call it emotional resilience. This is something that children can learn step by step. As a parent, you can help a lot with this. Helping children with their feelings lets them grow up to be strong and resilient adults.

Children enjoy practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Amersfoort BJJ.

Why emotional resilience is important

Emotional resilience helps children in many ways. When children can handle their feelings well, they feel less stress and anxiety. This is important for their happiness.

They gain more self-confidence, which helps them try new things. Children who are emotionally resilient are stronger. They cope better with disappointments and are not afraid to make mistakes. This is important for their whole lives and allows them to learn to cope in different ways.

Sports and games

Physical activities, such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, are super good for children. They learn many important things:

• They become stronger in their minds.
  This means they can think better and are less likely to be afraid.

• They learn their limits.
  This means they know what they can and cannot do. They dare more and do not give up easily.

• They become more aware of their bodies.
  They feel better what they are doing and how they are moving.

• They learn what winning and losing is.
  This is very important. Not everyone can always win. Children learn that this is okay and how to deal with it.

In sports like Jiu Jitsu, children don't just build muscle strength. They also learn the importance of persistence and self-improvement. This helps them in all aspects of life, from schoolwork to personal relationships.

Practicing at home

Breathe deeply

This is a quick way to calm down. Stand up straight and put your feet apart. Breathe in and out deeply. Feel how your belly goes up and down. This helps your child relax and become calm again.

Role Play

Have your child reenact situations to learn about feelings. Devise a story with your child. Perhaps about an animal who loses its way in the woods. Or about a knight on an exciting adventure. Watch how your child reacts and help them express their feelings.

Write every day

Encourage your child to write down three fun or positive things each day. This can be something simple, like enjoying a piece of fruit, or something big, like learning a new game. This makes children happy and helps them see the beautiful things in life.

Do exercises together

Sports and games are important. You can do simple sports exercises together with your child. For example, push-ups. Lie on your back, put your feet shoulder-width apart and push yourself up as many times a week as possible. This makes the muscles stronger and is also fun to do together.

Additional activities

In addition to these exercises, you can do other activities to increase your child's resilience. For example, go hiking or biking together. Take good care of yourself and your child by eating healthy food and getting enough sleep. Talk to your child about school and friends. Ask how things are going and really listen. This shows that you are there for your child.

You can also play games that help children think better. Puzzles, board games and even games on the computer can help. Choose games that suit your child's age and interests. Children who manage their emotions well have fewer arguments and more enjoyable times with friends.

Summary

It is very important to help children deal with their feelings. With sports, games and talks, parents can teach their children to be strong and confident. This helps children cope better with difficult moments in their lives.

By spending time together and having fun, you strengthen the bond with your child. This is good for now and for later. As a result, children grow up to be happy and healthy adults, ready for any challenges that come their way.

Want to learn more about how to strengthen your child's resilience?
Visit BJJ for Kids for more information to strengthen your child's resilience!