How to develop psychological stability in a child?

Psychological stability, resilience, vitality - the ability to adapt to new conditions, solve problems, recover from shocks.

Even the most prosperous children have difficult periods. The good news is that resilience can be affected at any age.

To understand the formation of psychological resilience, imagine scales. Everything that is harmful to a child's mental development is in one bowl: poverty, physical diseases, abuse, etc. building On the other - resources that mitigate or neutralize risk factors.

As part of the International Resilience Project study, scientists identified three types of such resources:

You can replenish them in different ways.

Set aside a special time for your child, protected from calls, messages and other distractions. Play, read aloud, hug.

If you are a teacher or educator, give personal attention to children who are behind in their studies or who do not communicate with anyone. Ask how they are doing, offer help. Make it clear that you can always be contacted.

Encourage the child to share experiences. Show that you care: make eye contact, ask questions, don't interrupt. Say your emotions out loud: "I see you're sad." This is especially important in the development of preschool children who are still weakly aware of their feelings.

Empathy helps us interact with others and make friends. For practice with the baby, books, cartoons, life situations are suitable. Comment on the psychological state of others: "The boy fell, he is in pain." As you read aloud, ask, “Why did the character do that? How would you feel in his place?

He who does nothing does not make mistakes, and he who is afraid of making mistakes does nothing. So that the child does not fall into this trap, allow him to make mistakes and face the consequences. Treat it calmly and with humor, help draw conclusions, give an opportunity to correct yourself. Watch how you react to your own mistakes to set a positive example.

Pay attention to his age, temperament, character, level of development. Avoid unrealistic demands and expectations so as not to damage your self-esteem.

For example, if a child is shy, you should not force him to communicate. You will help more if you discuss his fears, show empathy and desire to help.

Encourage children's interests, celebrate successes, allow them to discover and develop their talents.

In a school or kindergarten, you can organize learning by stations: children move around the class, moving from one activity to another. Make sure that everyone can shine: some with literacy, some with physical dexterity. In the wake of encouragement, children will more courageously tackle problematic and weak skills.

Let the children take part in cleaning, look after their belongings, take care of pets, help other people. Present it not as a duty, but as help, care, a valuable contribution to the life of the family or school.

Parents and teachers should include children in decision-making: together set rules and schedules, plan trips and holidays. A sense of control reduces stress and promotes an active lifestyle.

Analyze problems with the child, discuss solutions. Don't tell him what to do, but ask leading questions.

Remember that children absorb your words and emotions. If you don't always know how to respond to problems, download a memo of useful phrases for adults.

Creativity helps to express emotions and relieve tension, develops flexibility in solving problems.

It is better for adults not to evaluate the result, but to discuss the process. Ask the child what his piece means, what he was thinking about, how he chose the color, what was difficult and what was pleasant. If you want to praise, be specific: not "you are talented in me", but "I love this color, it lifts my mood".

Invite your child to write down or draw three things that he is grateful for today. You can arrange thanksgiving walks: admire the sky, flowers, and birds together.

It increases optimism, reduces stress and teaches to find reasons for joy even in adversity.

Many group games teach cooperation. You can offer the children the following exercise: everyone stands in a circle and holds hands. A hula hoop is put on the hand of one of the participants, which must be passed around in a circle without opening the arms. To achieve a common goal, we will have to act together and support each other.

Sport is learning about yourself through difficulties and failures: we learn to fall and rise, endure pain, overcome obstacles. Team sports contribute to the social development of the child. Physical health is also strengthened, which also affects emotional stability.

Helping those in need develops empathy and responsibility, builds values ​​and helps find the meaning of life.

A teenager can join a volunteer organization. Together with a younger child, you can select things for an orphanage or go to charity events, such as food distribution.