It’s hard to imagine that being a kid is about more than just having fun. Children, like us, face challenges and what we as adults can teach them is how to overcome challenges they face today and tomorrow.  Here are four suggestions to help children cope with new changes and emotions.

1. Routine

Routines can provide a sense of normalcy in times of turmoil, confusion, or frustration. Create positive routines and stick to them, such as weekend walks or nighttime routines. Knowing what the routines are can help children cope with time management and change.

2. Practice Self-Care

Teach or role model how to practice self-care. This could be having a simple day, being in nature, or cooking something nutritious and warm. One idea is to start a self-care list with your child that consists of things that help everyone relax and feel better when needed. This can be essential during times where your child feels like they have failed a task, had a bad day, or experienced upheaval. Self-care routines can show a child how to accept failure, recover, and make improvements.

3.    Positive Narratives

Even though they’re young, children have their own doubts and insecurities Teach them to shift narratives like: “I can’t do it because I’m not smart…”, “I wish I was pretty” into their opposites: “I’ll keep practicing, just because I can’t do it today doesn’t mean I can’t do it someday…”, “This tophat makes me feel pretty, I’m wearing it!” Don’t be afraid to give them assurances if they seem like they are getting down on themselves.

4.    Family Time

Your child is walking, talking, and learning, but expressing anxieties and fears: that’s a new one. Stay vigilant for any signs of frustration or fear, sadness or doubt, which can present as clingy behavior or regress to outgrown habits. Play, storytime, arts and crafts, and games can help your child process and explore these new feelings in a recognizable setting. Closeness and interaction create a safe, familiar environment where expression and emotional exploration encounter love and support for their caregivers.

These are only a few tips in a wide world or resiliency practices, so do not be afraid to explore more with your child. They are more resilient than you think! Resiliency practice is one of the many programs offered at Wonderschool’s on-site and in-home child care services, since connecting with the community and other children are just as important for developing resilience aptitude. Part of encouraging little learning to explore the world around them means also teaching them how to rely on themselves to improve and persevere. Wonderschool’s affordable payment options mean all families can access Bronx child care!