9 Tools for Building Resilience in Kids
Are you looking for tools to support your child during COVID-19? Wondering what helps kids stay away from drugs and alcohol during hard times? Did you go through the DARE program in your youth and are wondering if it’s still relevant?
Look no further! The Denver Public Schools Prevention Services team created these 9 tools for building resilient kids, support youth during a challenging time, and help connect them to trusted adults.
1. Normalize the ups and downs of adolescence
No one gets through life without experiencing some ups and downs that create stress and big emotions. Name these big emotions and model for your child how you handle stress in a positive way. Dan Seigel, an adolescent psychiatrist, encourages adults and kids to “Name It To Tame It” when a big emotion occurs, instead of letting the emotion take over. Sources of Strength, a youth suicide and bullying prevention program provides great tools to normalize the adolescent emotional experience, including The Tangled Ball of Emotions.
2. Teach your kids self-regulation tools
Many young people turn to substances because they are unable to manage difficult emotions and self regulate. ASSET, a classroom based mindfulness curriculum, developed an At-Home Toolkit for parents and adults to help youth self-regulate. This toolkit provides 3-5 minute tips and tricks for stress reduction. Sources of Strength provides a format to create a student self-care plan.
3. Build a team
Other adults are important in the lives of children including teachers, coaches and mentors from community based organizations. All DPS schools have a school-based mental health team to support students and be a resource to parents. DPS Equity and Opportunity website is a resource to let you know what support staff work in DPS.
4. Support your kid’s interests
Engaging in healthy activities can be a great way to support mental health. Start by asking your child what interests them and explore together how to pursue that interest.
5. Have fun together
Family support and being surrounded with positive friends are powerful protective factors. Eat dinner together, host a game night, explore beautiful Colorado together. For more ideas for free family fun, check out our Denver Rap Calendar.
6. Keep the conversation open
When talking about substance use, have these conversations starting early and often. Take advantage of teachable moments including characters in the movies and behavior of celebrities and friends. The Denver Rap Toolkit has information on how to have these conversations.
7. Stick to the facts
Getting good information is helpful to starting the conversation with your child. A few places to start are Rise Above Colorado, Smart Colorado, and Children’s Hospital Colorado.
8. Know what to look out for
Figuring out if your child is using substances can be a challenge but early intervention is key. The Partnership for Drug Free America has a list of signs on How to Spot Drug Use in Adolescents.
9. Know when to get outside support
If your child is displaying concerning behavior, you may want to start with your pediatrician. You can also find a list of local resources at the DenverRap website.