Youth Mental Health Speaker | Trainer | Educator | Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor | Wellbeing Consultant | Founder, The Resilience Revolution - Reducing anxiety and building resilience so they can thrive |
Our brains are incredible organs designed to adapt and overcome challenges. Throughout human evolution, our ancestors faced countless adversities, from harsh environments to predators. To survive and thrive, our brains developed the remarkable ability to rewire and reorganise themselves in response to experiences – a phenomenon now known as neuroplasticity. During childhood, this natural resilience building process is in full swing. Every time a child faces a challenge, whether it's learning to walk, making friends, or solving a puzzle, their brain is actively forming new neural connections and pathways. These experiences shape the brain's architecture, strengthening the regions responsible for resilience, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. So what can you do to support this process? By allowing them to face adversity while offering encouragement, providing opportunities for growth, and teaching coping skills, adults help children navigate adversity and develop resilience. Just like exercising a muscle, facing and overcoming challenges in childhood and adolescence strengthens the brain's resilience pathways, equipping them with the skills and mindset to handle future hardships with greater ease. So the great news is that resilience isn't just a trait we're born with; it's a skill that can be cultivated and strengthened throughout childhood and adolescence. By understanding the profound connection between adversity and brain development, we can better support them on their journey to becoming resilient, confident and capable individuals. They are counting on us to lead the way into a future where they are not just surviving but are truly thriving. Now that is something worth prioritising, don’t you agree? #resiliencematters #buildingresilience #thrivingkids
