Building Resilience and Emotional Well Being in Children

How BISC-LP Builds Resilience and Emotional Well-Being in Children from Pre-nursery through to Primary School

In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, helping children develop resilience and emotional well-being is one of the most important things we can do as educators and parents. At The British International School of Chicago – Lincoln Park (BISC-LP), we believe that these life skills are just as vital as academic achievement—especially for children in their formative years, from prenursery through Year 6.

What Is Resilience—and Why Does It Matter?

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, stay calm under pressure, and keep trying even when things get tough. It’s not a trait children are born with—it’s a skill they learn through experience, guidance, and support.

This year, our students are meeting a new character: Rockstar Resilience, part of our Goal Squad initiative. Rockstar Resilience helps children explore five key traits:

• Adaptability – Trying new things, even when they feel unsure.

• Courage – Speaking up, asking for help, or trying again after failing.

• Calmness – Using breathing techniques or quiet time to manage big emotions.

• Self-belief – Saying “I can do this” even when it’s hard.

• Embracing challenges – Seeing mistakes as opportunities to grow.

Why Is Resilience So Important for Young Learners?

Children who develop resilience are more likely to:
• Regulate their emotions during tantrums, peer conflicts, or academic stress.
• Persevere through challenges like learning to read, solving math problems, or making new friends.
• Form strong relationships with peers and adults.
• Achieve better academic outcomes because they’re not afraid to try.
• Avoid anxiety and depression later in life by learning healthy coping strategies early.

How We Foster Resilience at BISC-LP—and How You Can Support It at Home

Here are seven specific strategies we use in school—and that you can easily adapt to your home routines:

Model Positive Coping Skills

Children learn by watching adults. When you handle stress calmly and talk through your feelings, you teach your child how to do the same.
Try this at home:
“I had a tough day at work, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths and go for a walk.”

Create a Safe and Predictable Environment

Children thrive on routine and clear expectations. A warm, structured environment helps them feel secure and confident.
Home ideas:
- Use a visual schedule for mornings and bedtimes.
- Create a calm-down corner with soft toys, books, or sensory items.
- Reinforce rules gently: “We use kind words at dinner.”

Teach Emotional Literacy

We help children name and understand their emotions using tools like emotion charts, the Zones of Regulation, journaling, drawing, and storybooks.
Home tools:
- Emotion charts: “Point to how you feel today.”
- Storybooks like The Color Monster or Ruby Finds a Worry.
- Drawing or journaling for older children.

Encourage a Growth Mindset

We praise effort over outcome and teach that mistakes are part of learning.
Try saying:
“I love how hard you worked on that puzzle!”
“You can’t do it yet—but let’s try together.”

Build Problem-Solving Skills

We guide children through identifying problems, brainstorming solutions, and evaluating outcomes.
Practice at home:
- “Your toy broke—what could we do?”
- “You spilled juice—how can we clean it up?”
- Role-play: “What would you do if someone took your turn at recess?”

Promote Connection and Empathy

Feeling connected boosts self-esteem and emotional resilience.
Home activities:
- Plan playdates with guided group games.
- Start a family kindness challenge: “Let’s do 3 kind things today!”
- Discuss characters’ feelings in books or shows.

Incorporate Mindfulness and Movement

Simple breathing exercises, yoga, and mindful moments help children regulate emotions and stay focused.
Try this:
- Morning breathing rituals: “Smell the flower, blow out the candle.”
- Yoga stretches before bed (Cosmic Kids Yoga is a great resource).
- Mindful walks: “Let’s listen for 5 sounds we can hear.”

Final Thoughts: Resilience Is Built in Everyday Moments

At BISC-LP, we’re committed to helping your child grow into a confident, emotionally aware learner. With your partnership, we can nurture these skills from the earliest years, setting the stage for a lifetime of success.

Let’s raise resilient rockstars—together.

Written by Carla Williamson
Year 3 Leader, BISC-LP