Every parent wants their children to feel prepared to take on whatever life throws at them with courage and confidence. And especially with all our kids have seen and gone through – like the growing influence of social media, the COVID-19 global pandemic or ongoing mass shootings and gun violence in the U.S. – we know that having strong emotional health is key to achieving this. It's never too early to start instilling these skills in our kids.

So, let's dive into some practical strategies and tips for raising resilient children and learn how you can lay the foundation for their emotional well being and future success.

Emotional well being refers to a child's ability to understand, manage and express their emotions healthily and constructively. It plays a significant role in their overall mental health and impacts their relationships, academic performance and success in life. Research shows that emotionally resilient children are better equipped to cope with stress, bounce back from setbacks and have higher self-esteem.

So what should we do to help our children be emotionally resilient and healthy?

1. Teach your child to identify and express emotions: One of the first steps in building emotional well being in children is to help them develop emotional intelligence. Encourage your child to identify and label their emotions from a young age. Use age-appropriate language to help them understand their emotions, such as happy, sad, angry or scared. Teach them that it's okay to feel a wide range of emotions, and that all emotions are valid.

2. Provide a safe and supportive environment: Creating a safe and supportive environment at home is essential for nurturing emotional well being in children. Be empathetic and attentive when your child expresses their feelings or concerns. Avoid criticizing or dismissing their emotions, and instead validate their feelings. Encourage open communication and create opportunities for your child to share their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment.

3. Teach coping skills and problem-solving techniques: Teaching your child coping skills and problem-solving techniques are crucial for building resilience. Help them develop healthy ways to cope with stress, such as deep breathing, taking breaks or engaging in physical activity. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings through art, writing or talking to a trusted adult. Teach them problem-solving techniques, such as brainstorming solutions, evaluating pros and cons and making informed decisions.

4. Encourage independence and autonomy: Encouraging independence and autonomy in your child can foster resilience. Allow your child to make age-appropriate choices and decisions and give them opportunities to take on responsibilities. Encourage them to learn from their mistakes and failures rather than shielding them from all risks. This helps them develop confidence, self-reliance and resilience.

5. Promote positive self-esteem and self-care: Positive self-esteem is vital for emotional well being in children. Encourage your child to appreciate their strengths, talents and achievements. Avoid comparison or negative criticism, and instead, focus on their efforts and progress. Teach them self-care habits, such as proper nutrition, exercise and adequate sleep to promote overall well being.

6. Foster healthy relationships and social skills: Healthy relationships and social skills are crucial for emotional well being. Encourage your child to develop healthy friendships, practice empathy and respect others' feelings and boundaries. Teach them practical communication skills, conflict resolution and assertiveness. Help them understand the importance of social connections and how they contribute to their emotional health.

Raising resilient kids takes time and effort, but the end result is worth it. Once your children have strong emotional health, they will be empowered to navigate their life’s challenges with poise and resilience. By providing a safe, supportive environment for your children, teaching them how to identify and express emotions, giving them healthy coping skills and problem-solving techniques, encouraging autonomy, promoting positive self-esteem and self-care, and fostering meaningful relationships – you are setting them up for success in both the present moment and far into the future.

Investing in these strategies now will benefit your child for a lifetime – so don't hesitate to start today!

Until next time,

Zaiba

Zaiba Hasan is part of the dynamic duo behind the award-winning podcast, Mommying While Muslim. She is the founder of and a spiritual parent coach at Emerge Consulting Solutions, an interfaith mediator and sports mama extraordinaire. Look for her on the baseball fields and basketball courts in the DMV (Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia) area cheering from the sidelines.