We’ve heard of this phrase many times : “Change is the only constant.”
Our children – especially teens – experience changes every day.
Life will throw curve balls at them, plans may not go as planned and unpredictable things happen. At the same time, wonderful things happen every day as well!
It’s not enough that they face changes in school and even at home, they are also evolving mentally, emotionally and physically on a rapid level.
They may not be able to handle an avalanche of changes and challenges. But, they can be better prepared with the 2-Step Strategy and The 5-item Checklist for a Stronger, More Resilient Child.
The 2-Step Strategy
1.Be less rigid and more fluid
Tell your child that change is normal. As time passes, things, events and people will change. Expect and accept change as part of life. Nothing in life will remain the same.
Instead of wanting people and things to remain the same, they have to be open-minded and flexible. This means they will be quick-thinking and quick-acting when something happens. Lower their expectations and be open that sometimes things don’t go as planned – and that’s normal.
Just roll with it and go with the flow.
2. Change Means New Adventures
If your child or teen has a ‘catastrophic’ mindset and thinks that every change is a disaster, encourage him to re-frame his mindset.
This means to view the change from a different angle. Get him/her to write down the lessons he or she has learnt from this change.
Your child can go one step further and complete The 5-item Checklist for a Stronger, More Resilient Child below.
The 5-item Checklist for a Stronger, More Resilient Child
a. Is the change a wake-up call for me to do something differently?
b. Will the change open up more opportunities for me to grow and learn?
c. How will this change make me a stronger, confident person?
d. How can the change benefit me?
e. What have I learnt from this change?
You can also download The 5-item Checklist for a Stronger, More Resilient Child for your child here.
All the best!