Building Resilience and Grit in Kids

As parents, one of the most challenging and most rewarding parts about raising kids is teaching values and encouraging traits that help kids live out those values. Two of the traits that many parents want for their kids as they grow into teens and adults are resilience and grit. Resilience is the ability to handle or bounce back from whatever life throws at them. Grit is the ability to persevere when encountering obstacles or setbacks in the pursuit of things that matter to them.

These traits aren’t innate for most children—they're developed over time, often through experiences that test limits, require problem-solving, or demand emotional regulation. So, how can we as parents nurture resilience and grit in our kids?

1. Model the Behavior You Want to See

Most things we want our kids to learn are caught, not taught. They learn not just from what we say, but also from how we respond to challenges in our own lives. Do you talk about mistakes as learning opportunities? Do you show persistence when facing your own difficulties? Let them see you try, fail, and try again. That transparency and vulnerability can make a lasting impression.

2. Let Them Struggle (Just a Little)

It’s natural to want to jump in and rescue our children from discomfort, whether it’s a failed test, a conflict with a friend, or a challenging new hobby. But small, manageable failures are often where resilience is built. Allowing children to experience frustration—and supporting them without fixing everything—helps them learn their own strategies to navigate adversity.

3. Praise Effort, Not Just Results

Research shows that praising effort rather than innate talent fosters a growth mindset. Instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” try, “I can see how hard you worked on this.” It helps teach kids that persistence and effort are what lead to success, not just natural ability.

4. Encourage Purpose and Passion

Grit is often tied to long-term goals and passions. Give your child the space to explore their interests, even if they change often. Support their hobbies and pursuits—even if they’re not the ones you might have chosen. Finding something they care deeply about gives them a reason to keep going when things get tough.

5. Teach Emotional Literacy

Understanding and naming emotions is a crucial step toward managing them. Kids who can express what they’re feeling are better equipped to cope with difficult situations. Practice talking about emotions openly, and teach them strategies like deep breathing, journaling, or taking breaks to manage stress.

6. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

Resilience doesn’t mean suppressing emotions or going it alone. In fact, strong connections with parents, caregivers, and communities are often the backbone of resilient children. Knowing they have a secure base to return to gives kids the confidence to venture out, take risks, and grow.

Fostering resilience and grit isn’t about pushing our kids harder or expecting them to tough everything out alone. It’s about guiding them through life’s inevitable ups and downs with support, empathy, and encouragement. By helping them build these traits now, we prepare them to lead fulfilling, courageous lives—no matter what comes their way.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.