3 ways to help your teen build resilience
How to help your teen tackle life's challenges and setbacks.
Life is full of ups and downs. Teens who are resilient have confidence to tackle challenges, learn from setbacks and keep going even when things get tough. Dr. Lisa Damour, psychologist, author and mom shares 3 ways you can help your teen bounce back better.
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3 phrases to help your teen build resilience
Life is full of ups and downs. Teens who are resilient have confidence to tackle challenges, learn from setbacks and keep going even when things get tough.
Hi, I'm Dr Lisa Damour, psychologist, author and mom. Here are three ways to help your teen build resilience:
1. Encourage problem solving
When things go wrong, resist the impulse to jump in and fix things for your teenager. Instead, support your teen by encouraging problem solving.
When they hit a bump, whether it's a tricky math problem, a friendship issue or a misunderstanding with an adult, guide them by asking questions like what do you think you could try? Or what have you done before?
Doing so communicates your belief that they are capable of handling life's challenges and reminds them that they can tap into their own creativity to find solutions.
2. Teach them how to cope with disappointment
Life comes with its fair share of let downs and learning to handle disappointment is an essential part of being resilient.
When something doesn't go the way your teen hoped, perhaps they were dropped from a sports team or didn't get the job they wanted, encourage them to acknowledge the disappointment rather than trying to ignore it.
Teach them to express their feelings. Reflect on what they can learn from the experience and then focus on what's next. The ability to accept disappointment while moving forward is a key ingredient in resilience.
3. Protect the building blocks of resilience
Resilience doesn't just happen on its own. It's built on a foundation of good habits that keep teens feeling strong, balanced, and ready to tackle life's challenges.
Getting enough sleep, eating well, staying physically active and nurturing close relationships make it possible for teens to bounce back from setbacks.
And remember, adults need to protect their building blocks of resilience too. Taking good care of ourselves models healthy habits for our teens, and it helps us to be the calm, steady presence our teens need when they're facing tough times.
Here's to you, your teen and to building resilience together.
Dr. Lisa Damour is a psychologist, author, New York Times contributor and mother of two.
