During the COVID-19 crisis a lot of concerns are being raised with regards to risks for the development of children. Although it is of course good to be watchful for possible negative consequences, it is also good to remember (and be grateful for) the often remarkable resilience of children and their families and communities.
Resilience is the ability to deal with and overcome difficult circumstances. It is build up, or sometimes broken down, in the interplay between protective and risk factors. From all kinds of research we know that the most common protective factor for children to develop resilience is to have a stable, supportive and loving relationship with at least one parent/carer. Such relationship(s) provide children with a buffer against developmental disruption.[1]
Resilience is not one feature or ability, rather it should be seen as an ongoing process. Resilience helps children to manage stress and to cope with life’s obstacles. COVID-19 certainly poses a huge challenge for children, parents and communities. But most will overcome this crisis: we are more resilient than we may think!
Read the infographic below to find more tips on how to help children develop resilience:
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References
[1] Resilience: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/resilience/
[2] American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resilience
