Even the most difficult experience has its advantages: we learn new things about ourselves and how to react to certain situations, thanks to which each subsequent challenge is easier for us. Just as infections strengthen our immune system, unpleasant events build our mental resilience. However, this requires slowing down, preparing a strategy and recognising and appreciating what we have, what we know and who we can count on.
New light on a solved problem
You solved a problem? Pay more attention to it! Perhaps there was a matter that seemed unsolvable to you or to your child, yet you managed to handle it? This is your success and your capital for the future! Talk about what helped you accomplish this task, about the specific ways and strategies that you followed. What did it look like from your perspective and what worked according to your child? Discuss this experience and keep the best strategies in mind for the future.
A recipe for mental resilience
Meet 9-year-old Luis from Venezuela, who is a hero from our scenario about inner strength. Read the letter from Luis together. Talk to your child about what helped the boy, and, together, make a list of things that help you when you’re faced with something difficult. What character traits help you accomplish challenging tasks and not give up? How can you assist each other in such situations? Luis had his recipe for inner strength. We can give you the basic ingredients now:
First of all: gratitude. What are you thankful for right now? You could go back to the article about support and gratitude.
The second ingredient is being aware of and appreciating our own skills, our own knowledge and what we can do to change our situation. Think of reasons that you can be happy about right now. What do you find enjoyable at this moment? What nice things happened to you today? What nice and good things did you do for someone? The third component is the fact that even when it’s difficult, you should not give up. You have to search, ask questions and ask for help when it’s needed.