The Role of Support in Building Strong Emotional Resilience

Supporting the development of Emotional Capability and Positivity

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

                                    - Frederick Douglass

Support is the cornerstone of emotional resilience. It provides children with the stability and encouragement they need to thrive in the face of challenges. When a child knows they have someone to rely on, they are more likely to develop the skills and mindset necessary to navigate life’s difficulties. 

Learning how to overcome challenges and being able to see past them with a sense of self worth and purpose are not easily developed in isolation, they helped with a supportive family, good friends and well intentioned professionals.

Developing capability requires the development of skills that children can be helped with. Just knowing that there is someone on their sides can go a long way to creating positivity in children.

Capability is about having the skills to solve problems, manage emotions, and build confidence. A supportive environment teaches children how to face challenges head-on and learn from their experiences. For example, a teacher who provides guidance during a difficult assignment not only helps a student complete their work but also instills a sense of competence and determination.

Positivity emerges when children feel valued and understood. Supportive relationships foster hope, optimism, and a belief in brighter possibilities. When children experience consistent care and encouragement, they are better able to reframe setbacks and maintain a positive outlook. This optimism becomes a driving force, helping them approach life with enthusiasm and resilience.

By providing support, we create a bridge to these essential elements of emotional resilience, setting the foundation for children to flourish both in school and beyond.

Supporting children who are hard to reach

“Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it.”

                                                                      - Harold Hulburt

While support is vital, not every child readily accepts it. For some, trusting others can feel like an insurmountable challenge. This reluctance often stems from past experiences, fear of vulnerability, or a belief that no one truly understands their struggles.

Winning the trust of these children requires patience, empathy, and perseverance. It’s about creating a safe space where they feel seen, valued, and believed even when they resist opening up. For educators and caregivers, this means showing consistency, being there for the child day after day, no matter how long it takes. Small, thoughtful gestures, like remembering a child’s interests or acknowledging their feelings, can gradually break down barriers.

The paradox is that the children who resist support often need it the most. Their reluctance is not a rejection of care but a reflection of their fears and insecurities. By persistently offering support, we can help them overcome these barriers and begin to trust again. This trust is the gateway to providing the guidance and encouragement they need to build emotional resilience.

Supporting Children to move from struggling to thriving is the best job in the world

“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.”

                                                                          - Nelson Mandela  

For those who dedicate themselves to supporting children, the rewards can be profound. Watching a troubled and reluctant child transform is one of the most fulfilling experiences imaginable. It begins with small victories: a hesitant smile, a moment of engagement, or a newfound willingness to ask for help.

As trust builds, the transformation becomes more apparent. The child who once seemed unreachable begins to develop capability, mastering skills, solving problems, and gaining confidence. Positivity follows, as they start to see the world with hope and enthusiasm. Over time, these changes lead to a deeper sense of well-being. The child finds purpose, embraces their strengths, and becomes equipped to handle life’s challenges with resilience and grace.

The impact of this transformation extends beyond the individual. When a child thrives, their family, school, and community benefit. For those providing support, the journey is not without its challenges, but the rewards make every effort worthwhile. Seeing a child grow into their potential and knowing you played a part in their success is a deeply rewarding experience that fuels the desire to help others.

In Summary

Support is more than a helping hand; it is the bridge that connects children to the skills, optimism, and well-being they need to succeed. While building trust and providing support to reluctant children can be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable. Together, we can create a future where every child has the opportunity to develop emotional resilience, capability, and positivity, and thrive. A child who knows they are not alone has a huge advantage over those who do not.

Next month's newsletter will be about the importance of emotional resilience or children in Key Stage 2. Children who are all going to be facing the enormous change of moving from Primary to secondary education and will need to be best prepared for it. We take a lot of care to understand how well prepared Primary school children are for secondary school in terms of academic challenges but less so in terms of all the other challenges they will face in the move to secondary school.

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