Resilience

Resilience is a concept which has been studied extensively recently both internationally
and in New Zealand.  It offers a way to view an adverse situation with hope and positivity. Resilience is the concept that some people can be very successful in life despite apparent setbacks or disadvantages.  I’d like to share what we know about how to develop resilience in response to an adverse event.
Resilience is focused on protective factors or actions you can take:

• Social competence - encourage your child to get in touch with friends and family and set up get togethers.  Even emailing and texting can be helpful. Modelling considerate and caring behaviours is key here.
• Problem solving skills - consider a range of possible solutions to problems as they
  arise, engage in discussions of the pros and cons of each solution selecting
  the one that works best.
• Autonomy - encourage your child to make age appropriate decisions for themselves.
• Sense of purpose and future - talk about the process of managing the adverse event and plans for what happens beyond it.
• Caring and supportive environment - look out for each other. A few kind words to someone in a difficult situation is enormously helpful.
• High positive expectations - share with your child your expectations that they will
  engage with experiences at school and in the community has and that
  this will be valuable for them.  
• Opportunities for involvement. - look out for opportunities to become involved at school and within your community.

A key to resilience is that it is not developed alone by an individual, it grows in an environment or community of positive interactions.  Parents, teachers and young people
themselves can contribute to developing a resilient school community which is able to thrive because of and despite challenging circumstances.  Adults and young people can model these skills to those who are still developing them. A key lesson from the Christchurch earthquakes is that adults modelling calm responses to challenging situations were key to avoiding ongoing negative effects on mental health for young people.  

Typically, the negative effects of adverse events occur when there are several events rather than just one.  If your child is experiencing multiple adverse events and is displaying behaviour of concern it may be time to consult with professionals.  Helpful people to speak to are your child’s class teacher, your family doctor, the school counsellor or a psychologist.

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