Building Little Champions: How to Foster Resilience in Children

Inspired by "I Got This!: I Have Bounce Back Superpowers" by Julia Cook and Michele Borba

Building Little Champions

Imagine this: a classroom buzzing with activity. One student beams, proudly displaying their completed artwork. Another sits slumped over, tears welling up over a crumpled paper. This is the beautiful (and sometimes messy) reality of childhood. As educators, counselors, and parents, we witness these triumphs and setbacks daily. The question is, how can we equip our little learners to navigate these moments, building resilience that will serve them throughout their lives?

Let’s take a cue from a furry friend: Charlie, the determined dog from a new picture book, I Got This! by Julia Cook and Michele Borba. The story follows Charlie as he embarks on a challenging mission – hauling a sled up a snow-covered mountain, in order to receive his Rescue Dog certification. Charlie faces obstacles – a steep climb, twists and turns, and a forest with no path. And through it all, Charlie must learn to trust himself and others as he navigates each challenge.

Just like Charlie, children will encounter difficulties. Tests won’t always be aced, friendships might hit snags, and scraped knees are inevitable. The key to growth isn’t shielding them from challenges, but fostering the ability to bounce back, dust themselves off, and keep moving forward. This is the essence of resilience.

Here are some strategies, inspired by Charlie’s journey, to nurture resilience in your young champions:

1. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Achievements

Charlie doesn’t just reach the top of the mountain; he struggles and perseveres to get there. Similarly, educators and parents can celebrate the effort a child puts into a task, not just the final outcome. Did they spend extra time on a difficult math problem? Did they practice their spelling words even when they felt tired? Acknowledging the hard work builds confidence and fuels their motivation to keep trying.

2. Let Them Tackle (Age-Appropriate) Challenges

While we can’t let children face reckless situations, we can offer opportunities for them to develop problem-solving skills. Encourage them to build a block tower (and yes, even if it sometimes falls!), help them brainstorm solutions to everyday conflicts, or give them a choice between two healthy snacks.

3. Foster a Growth Mindset

Charlie doesn’t see setbacks as failures, but as a chance to learn and grow. Help children develop this “growth mindset” by reframing challenges as learning opportunities. Instead of saying, “You failed that test,” try, “Let’s look at these questions together and see what we can learn for next time.”

4. Teach Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Even the most determined pup gets tired and overwhelmed. Charlie takes breaks to rest and refocus. In the classroom or at home, create a safe space for children to express their emotions. Help them learn calming techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. Encourage them to talk about their feelings, fostering open communication.

5. Model Resilience

Children are brilliant little observers. They learn a lot by watching the adults in their lives. When faced with setbacks, model how to stay positive and take the next step. Talk about your own challenges in an age-appropriate way, sharing how you overcame them. This shows them that setbacks are a normal part of life and that everyone can bounce back.

6. Build Strong Support Systems

Charlie has a big task to achieve, but he doesn’t do it alone. Similarly, children thrive with a strong support system. Nurture positive connections in the classroom through cooperative activities and team projects. At home, foster open communication and create a safe space where children feel loved and accepted, no matter what.

7. Empower Through Choice and Agency

Charlie may be on a mission, but he also makes choices along the way. Empower children with choices whenever possible. Let them choose their outfit, help plan a family activity, or decide how to spend their free time. This fosters a sense of agency and control, building confidence and resilience.

 

By incorporating these strategies, we can create classrooms and homes that nurture resilience in our young learners. Reading engaging stories, like I Got This! that showcase resilience helps children see themselves reflected in the characters, building empathy and teaching them valuable life lessons in a fun and relatable way. We also have a FREE Coloring Sheet you can use with your children or students to go along with book.

Remember, it’s a journey, not a destination. Like Charlie, there will be moments of struggle, but by fostering their inner strength and determination, we can empower them to face challenges with a confident, “I Got This!” attitude. After all, the most inspiring victories often follow the toughest climbs.

Written by Jennifer Deshler.

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