It is very important for children to learn to deal with setbacks. This helps with children's resilience. When children recover quickly after a problem, we call that emotional resilience. This is something children can learn step by step. As a parent, you can help a lot with this. Helping children with their feelings allows them to grow into strong and resilient adults.
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 to try new things. Children who are emotionally resilient are more self-assured. They can better handle disappointments and are not afraid to make mistakes. This is important for their whole lives and ensures they learn to cope with life 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 mentally stronger.
This means they can think better and are less easily scared.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 body.
They feel better what they are doing and how they are moving.They learn about winning and losing.
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 not only build muscle strength. They also learn the importance of perseverance 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 spread your feet apart. Breathe deeply in and out. Feel your belly go up and down. This helps your child to relax and calm down again.
Role-playing games
Let your child role-play situations to learn about feelings. Come up with a story together with your child. Perhaps about an animal lost in the forest. Or about a knight on an exciting adventure. Observe how your child reacts and help them express their feelings.
Write daily
Encourage your child to write down three fun or positive things every day. This could 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.
Exercise together
Sports and games are important. You can do simple sports exercises with your child. For example, push-ups. Lie on your back, place your feet shoulder-width apart, and push yourself up as many times as possible per week. This strengthens muscles and is also fun to do together.
Additional activities
In addition to these exercises, you can also do other activities to increase your child's resilience. For example, go for a walk or bike ride together. Take good care of yourself and your child by eating healthy 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 computer games can help with this. Choose games that match your child's age and interests. Children who manage their emotions well have fewer arguments and more enjoyable moments with friends.
Summary
It is very important to help children with their feelings. Through sports, games, and conversations, parents can teach their children to be strong and confident. This helps children better deal 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. This allows children to grow into happy and healthy adults, ready for all the challenges that come their way.
Want to know more about how you can strengthen your child's resilience?
Visit BJJ for Children for more information on strengthening your child's resilience!
Bullying can have long-lasting consequences for a child. This article offers strategies to make your child resilient against bullying with communication skills and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Discover how BJJ helps with your child's social-emotional development and how you as a parent can set a good example.
Read more →Discover how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu strengthens children's emotional resilience. Learn simple and effective exercises to do at home, helping children develop self-confidence and resilience.
Read more →This article was originally published in Dutch. Read the Dutch original.
