The 7 Keys to Resilience

Fostering Resilience

Resilience can be defined as the ability to thrive in both good and challenging times. This video series takes an in-depth look at how to encourage teens to be resilient. Ken Ginsburg, Co-Founder of CPTC and Professor of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, offers concrete strategies to promote each of the seven core principles of resilience, including:

1. Confidence. Build confidence in teens by offering specific praise, setting high but reachable expectations, providing clear boundaries, and letting them know they are loved.
2. Competence. Encourage competence in teens by noticing and building the skills they already have, but recognizing which skills they need to develop.
3. Connection. Stay close to teens while allowing them the space needed to grow. Solid, loving connections to parents is the most protective force in their lives.
4. Character. Help teens on their path toward becoming a good people by modeling strong character traits and giving them space to clarify their own values.
5. Contribution. Provide opportunities for teens to help others so they aren’t afraid to ask for help themselves.
6. Coping. Guide teens to cope by uncovering healthy ways to deal with stress including exercise, journaling, or talking to a trusted adult.
7. Control. Give teens a sense of control with appropriate praise and a balance of independence and boundaries.

For more great content, check out our YouTube channel where we explore topics like dealing with stress, disciple, and resilience. Do you have an idea for a video that you’d like to see? If so, email your suggestion to parentandteen@email.chop.edu.