By: Yvonne Haase, LMHC
Resilience is one of the greatest gifts we can nurture in our children. Resilience allows our children to be able to adapt, build character and trust within themselves and have hope during challenging times. As parents, we can help foster resilience in our children through simple, but effective practices such as
Be a Role Model: Children learn how to respond by watching the adults in their lives. Monitor and adjust the way you respond to challenges in your life so that children are able to see a challenge as a potential for positive change and growth.
Be available and talk about feelings openly: Be available to your children to discuss their feelings. Validating your child’s feelings allows children to express themselves and ask for support when needed.
Promote independence through decision making and problem solving: Give children small responsibilities or choices at home to help them build confidence and adaptability. These should build as children age to allow for more opportunities to build confidence and resilience.
Teach children to strive for progress, not perfection: Acknowledge your child’s persistence toward a goal rather than only acknowledging the end result.
Build structure, not rigidity: We know that structure allows children to feel secure, but children also benefit from periods of unstructured playtime. This playtime promotes cognitive, emotional and social development, which are key elements in resilience.
Building Resilience Together: The Power of a Caring Community
The foundation of resilience is built at home, but it grows stronger when nourished by the community around a child. As the saying reminds us, “It takes a village to raise a child.” When children experience care and compassion beyond their family, they develop a deeper sense of belonging and hope. They learn empathy, gratitude, and the comfort of knowing they are not alone. That’s why our toy drive is more than an act of giving, it’s a celebration of community resilience.
So what is the impact of community giving on a child’s ability to develop resiliency?
Gaining a sense of belonging: Receiving a toy from a community toy drive strengthens a child’s connection to their community. This gives them a sense of belonging to something “bigger” than themselves.
Develop gratitude and empathy: A child who feels understood, learns to gain understanding of others and asks for support from others. This allows children to navigate challenges without feeling alone.
Finding hope through kindness: A toy may seem small, but to a child, it carries a message of hope. Each act of giving helps children believe in goodness in the world. These qualities that help them bounce back and stay strong through life’s challenges.
As we enter this season of giving, let’s remember that every act of generosity helps build a foundation of strength and hope for our children. When a community unites in kindness, children learn that resilience is rooted in connection and compassion. By contributing to the 24th Annual John and Elizabeth Toy Drive, you’re doing more than bringing smiles to children’s faces—you’re nurturing their sense of security, belonging, and belief in a caring world. Together, we can create a season filled with love, laughter, and the lasting lesson that resilience grows best in a supportive and compassionate community.
