Definition
An ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

All children have abilities and strengths that can help them cope with everyday life, which is also referred to as "resilience"

Seven Essential and Interrelated Components of Resilience (American Academy of Pediatrics): 

• Competence - the ability to handle situations effectively 
• Confidence - the solid belief in one's own abilities
• Connection - close ties to family, friends, school, and community give children a sense of security and values that prevent them from seeking destructive alternatives to love and attention
• Character - a fundamental sense of right and wrong that helps children make wise choices, contribute to the world, and become stable adults
• Contribution - when children realize that the world is a better place because they are in it, they will take actions and make choices that improve the world. They will also develop a sense of purpose to carry them through future challenges
• Coping - children who learn to cope effectively with stress are better prepared to overcome life's challenges
• Control - when children realize that they can control their decisions and actions, they're more likely to know that they have what it takes to bounce back

Parents have the greatest effect on resilience with their children. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding how parents can help build resilience: 

• Love. To be strong, your children need love, absolute security and a deep connection to at least one adult
• Expect the best. Your children will live up or down to your expectations of them, so expect them to be kind, caring individuals who will give their best effort
• Listen. Listening to your children attentively is more important than any words you can say, in routine situations as well as times of crisis
• Set a good example. Nothing you say is as important as what your children see you doing on a daily basis

Military OneSource 
Offers free parenting resources, including the article, "Building the Resilience of Your Military Family" at their website or call 800-342-9647

FOCUS Project
A resiliency-building program designed for military families and children facing the multiple challenges of combat operational stress during wartime

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