We often talk about resilience. Actually, we talk about it ALL the time. It is truly the essence behind why we started E.L.O.!

All three of us experienced moments in life where we wish we knew more, where we wish we had the tools to navigate life's adversities. To generalize and summarize all of our individual experiences - in the moment of facing our own challenges, we were mad at these challenges and difficulties that life was testing us with.

What we then realized was - these adversities are inevitable, what we did wish, is if we had the tools to regulate our emotions, reactions, and practice mindfulness as we navigate the issues we were faced with, and if we had the tools to be resilient instead of drowning in negativity.

When we can practice these skills, then we can grow, learn, be present, and reduce the stress and pain we endure as we adapt to the situation at hand.

So what is resilience? Below is a great way to understand and break down resilience as it relates to mental health. Scroll down to see a fun activity to lightly touch on the topic but also learn-through-play!

• COMPETENCE - ability to handle stressful situations effectively and having the skills to face challenges.

 

• CONFIDENCE - belief in one’s own abilities and is rooted in competence. Children gain confidence by being able to demonstrate their competence in real situations.

 

• CONNECTION - children with close ties to friends, family, and community groups are likely to have a stronger sense of security and sense of belonging. These children are more likely to have strong values and are less likely to seek out alternative destructive behaviors. 

 

• CHARACTER - children with “character” enjoy a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. They are in touch with their values and are comfortable sticking to them. They can demonstrate a caring attitude towards others. They have a strong sense of right and wrong and are prepared to make wise choices and contribute to the world. 

 

• CONTRIBUTION - if children can experience personally contributing to the world, they can learn the powerful lesson that the world is a better place because they are in it. 

 

• COPING - children who have a wide range of coping skills (social skills, stress reduction skills) are able to cope more effectively and are better prepared to overcome life’s challenges. 

 

• CONTROL - when children realize that they have control over their decisions and actions, they are more likely to know how to make choices in a way that they may bounce back from life’s challenging moments.

 

HERE'S A FUN ACTIVITY IDEA THAT HELPS LEARN COLORS, AND ALSO ENGAGE IN PROBLEM SOLVING, SORTING, AND REGULATION.

 

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