Why Children are More Resilient

As I watch them play outdoors in such an imaginative state, I thought to myself that life hasn't hit them yet. This world hasn't taught them those hard lessons that slowly puts out our flame of passion. That flame that was ignited to get up for the day like a field trip, a day full of possibilities and fun. Yet, as I watched, I wondered. Have we stopped doing the techniques that feed kid energy that builds up resiliency armor? Do the kids have the answer?

After observing, I've come to a few techniques on why children often seem more resilient than adults:

Adaptability: Children's brains are still developing, making them more adaptable to new situations and challenges. They are constantly learning and growing, which allows them to bounce back from setbacks more easily.

Have you tried learning something new as an adult such as a musical instrument? It is frustrating on a whole new level! Fighting hard pipelines of muscle memory, daily routine disruptions and distractions. Not to mention the constant 'why try' mindset fed by  exhaustion from this busy world. 

Less Cognitive Load: Children typically have fewer responsibilities and worries compared to adults. They may not fully comprehend the gravity of certain situations, which can shield them from feeling overwhelmed. 

Less is more. How can household responsibilities be shared to make room for fun. What should you NOT be doing so that you have space to do things that energy you. Stop buying things and start saving. Reduce hard decisions so you have head space for the creative, imaginative state of play. That can be small like your outfits for the week. One less decision each day! Choose what you will no longer be doing and enjoy this short time of life that we get. That blanket doesn't need to be folded on the couch for the fifth time today. Go watch the sunset. See the energy switch? We dig more into in the The Energy SWITCH framework in which I build my burnout recovery. 

Support System: Children often have a strong support system of family, teachers, and peers who provide guidance, encouragement, and emotional support. This network helps them navigate difficult situations more effectively.

As adults we isolate or don't find space to process such emotions. Bury them deep down until it festers like a monster eating away at our resiliency armor instead of building it up. We have misaligned friends, watch misaligned social media accounts and create an environment (system) that is draining versus energizing. A question I ask during coaching sessions, is the blank page activity. If I gave you a blank page to start over right now, what would energy look like to you. Then we build a plan. Let's build your roadmap: Click Here

Resilience Building: Facing and overcoming challenges is a crucial part of childhood development. Each small success builds resilience and confidence, making it easier for children to handle future obstacles.

As adults we have forgotten to take time to reflect. Give grace for all the work accomplished in a day. View where we are now from where we have been last month, last year, 5 years ago. There is growth in the hardships just as much as the good times. Lessons will keep being lessons until they are learned. Reflect, grow, build and you will see that light begin to enter your days again. 

Imagination and Creativity: Children often have vivid imaginations and are more inclined to see the world with a sense of wonder and possibility. This imaginative perspective can help them find creative solutions to problems and cope with challenges. 

Play, dance, draw, write. Color in your next Amazon box. Want to go away to another dimension-make that box a spaceship. Find a community that energizes you and go meet up with them.

I used to love hiking. Over the years it got less and less with three kids and all their activities. I found a hiking community that meets up around my local area trails on the weekends. Some longer miles (no kids) and others a more family friendly hike. Although physically challenging, I feel re-energized being around like minded people. Letting our minds wonder as we let nature take over the adventure in the woods. No work talk, no obligations, no distractions. Just 'being' and allowing that space without an agenda. A neighbor who also has small kids has a different hobby. So we take on each others children to feed our energize hobby dates. Low cost, low hassle to make these 'play' moments work in a default parent lifestyle. 

Physical Resilience: Children's bodies are generally more resilient and able to recover quickly from physical injuries or illnesses compared to adults.

A veggie in every meal, less processed food. More water. Stretch if you feel sore. Feeling out of sorts, let's play outdoors barefoot and get those wiggles out. Parenting I give my children but advice I don't take myself at times. Fuel the body with the right food, water and movement and you will see it bounce back faster and provide you with a vessel so strong it will be hard to knock down. 

Check out more energy management programs here: Speaker Series