Life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s often through life’s obstacles that we discover our deepest strengths. Teaching our families how to face setbacks with grace, grit and God’s guidance is one of the most powerful gifts we can pass on. Children are like a sponge and absorb our habits and behaviors until they’re ingrained. It’s a vulnerable period for them, and I’m sure we all want to raise strong and resilient contributors to society. The longer we live, the more situations we face, good and bad. No matter what, let’s show our families how to thrive through it all. 

The Truth About Resilience

Resilience isn’t about avoiding hard times, it’s about growing through them. The ability to bounce back when life knocks you down will be a skill that propels you in life, and this can be taught, modeled and practiced with your family. Have you ever looked back at certain situations in your childhood and had no idea your family was struggling? In an age-appropriate way, I believe it’s sometimes necessary to be vulnerable with your children about hardships the family may be going through because it gives your children an opportunity to see reality play out and learn life lessons that will help them in adulthood. Facing difficulty should not make you feel inferior or inadequate, but rather empower you to believe you are a conqueror because you will come out on the other side, like you always have. 

Stay Rooted in Scripture

The Bible is packed with stories of people who faced unimaginable trials and came out stronger, not because they had it all together, but because they leaned on God. Teaching this to your children or having family Bible study nights can be a huge benefit to everyone’s confidence. Look at the story of Joseph, Job, Moses and Esther, to name a few. Have a discussion with your family so everyone can share what they would have done in their shoes and how they think God helped them through. This can plant seeds of resilience early on. 

Keep a Track Record

I believe it’s great to journal so you can always recollect God’s divine assistance, answered prayers and your tenacity during uncertain times. Turn this into something exciting to do for family nights by having a journaling session. This will allow everyone to sit with their feelings as they write and contribute to something they can always refer back to over the years. 

Resilience in Daily Life 

When you encounter hardships, uncomfortable moments or failures, allow them to bring your family together by talking openly, praying and remembering how much you’ve already overcome. Setbacks will come, but so will growth. With love, vulnerability and encouragement, your family can become a team that not just survives challenges but also shines through them, inspiring others to do the same. Remember, resilience isn’t about never falling but more about rising, again and again, with God by your side.