Developing a resilient brain in children is a goal that, if achieved, has enormous value, we know that our little ones are capable of extraordinary things, however, what we want most is that they are happy, for this there is nothing better than teaching them to manage the resources that allow them to face the daily challenges that can arise at any time.
Few words are also fashionable. We see the term ‘resilience’ almost everywhere, in all self-help books, in all personal development manuals; In addition, we also know that the idea it represents is not new, although we have only begun to study its effect more rigorously now.
- Viktor Frankl has already defined his foundations through several books.
- And did so by teaching us.
- For example.
- How some people can cope with adversity through their inner strengths.
- Armor.
- Goals.
- And approaches.
“What we really need is a radical change in our attitude to life. -Viktor Frankl-
So if these resources are so encouraging, why not pass them on to the children?This will mean more than giving them simple techniques to better address the challenges they may face. In reality, resilience builds a new mindset in them, as well as in us. It forms stronger brains, with greater stress resistance and more skillful executive functions.
The effort is worth it. It is possible to develop a resilient brain in children by following these strategies.
When faced with adversity, what our brain experiences is stress, it is emotional distress, so this type of response begins and develops in a specific place: the cerebral amygdala.
This structure is responsible for our responses associated with fear, and it is also the one that sends messages to the brain to release adrenaline and cortisol as quickly as possible: “We must react, we must escape this threatening threat as soon as possible!”she said.
Now, when the amygdala, that sentinel of fear, takes control, something very characteristic happens: the prefrontal cortex loses its functionality, that is, our ability to objectively analyze the situation or reflect on the problem is completely reduced. carried by an emotional fun dominated by fear without being able to see any way out, without having that inner calm to build an escape route.
If we could train more resilient brains in children, this wouldn’t happen. At least not so often. Because resilience is about calming the amygdala to activate the prefrontal cortex. Reduce stress to develop a more open, thoughtful and stronger state of mind. Let’s see how to do it.
Many may believe that when educating more resilient children, there is nothing better than teaching them to be independent and independent, because in reality, more than autonomy, the fundamental thing for the development of a resilient brain is emotional connection.
Children need a strong and healthy bond. They need reference people to give them love, safety and protection, all this shapes a brain that does not feel fear or stress, because a strong brain that has not had first experiences of insecurity or fear is a brain that, in the long run, will face life’s problems with greater solvency. The absence of these traits determines a stronger, more flexible and more receptive mind.
We pointed it out at the beginning. Our goal is to calm the amygdala (fear) and train the prefrontal cortex (executive functions). In this way, we will provide resources for the child to be able to solve problems, focus attention and be creative when challenges arise, big or small. All of this will prevent you from getting stuck in fear, in anguish.
Strategies for developing executive functions in children include
Mindfulness is another great way to develop a resilient brain in children, be able to connect with it here and now in a relaxed way improves brain connection, relieves stress and, in turn, improves executive function, if we introduce this practice into their early lives, we will see great benefits.
A child should see himself as competent in his daily life, as a person able to learn from his mistakes to improve, someone who overcomes himself every day to face new skills and abilities. This feeling, that of having our support and our recognition, will allow you to make better decisions little by little.
Realistic optimism can be of great help to them, they must be shown that any reality that may contain problematic nuances can arise in terms of personal overtaking, where its true value lies.
To develop a resilient brain in children it is necessary to help them manage negative emotions, such as fear, the first thing we can give you is an idea: asking for help is also recommended, necessary. In addition, those seeking help are brave enough to recognize their vulnerability, needs, and build deeper relationships.
Helping others and allowing them to help them is a dynamic that children must put in place from an early stage of their lives, so fears will diminish and lose their power over them until they disappear.
This suggestion is fun and useful. Starting at age 5, the child can learn to solve simple problems.
If we give them one? Problem kit? For your day to day and show you how to use it, we will promote its maturation, as they grow it will be they who perfect the use of these tools and those who adapt them to their situation.
Therefore, this troubleshooting box can be populated with the following strategies.
What to do when something worries me
Finally, training, shaping and promoting a resilient brain in children requires an education based on a secure attachment in which, in turn, we provide a solid foundation in terms of coping and problem solving strategies.
We are talking about a type of active and creative education, where the adult serves as a reference, something like this determines a great responsibility on our part: we are talking about an adventure that will always be worthwhile.