Focus on the Family with Jim Daly Helping Your Child Develop Resilience (Part 1 of 2)
Jan 20, 2026
Kathy Cook, an educational psychologist and author of Resilient Kids, shares insights on building resilience in children. She emphasizes the importance of allowing kids to face challenges rather than overprotecting them. Kathy recounts a personal injury that taught her resilience and discusses how small victories, like dressing independently, foster growth. She highlights the significance of reframing mistakes versus failures and encourages open communication about hardships. Tune in for practical tools to cultivate resilience in your home!
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Resilience Builds Character And Faith
- Resilience is the central character trait that lets children bounce back and grow through difficulty.
- Kathy Cook links resilience to spiritual growth, perseverance, problem-solving, and mental health.
Allow Natural Consequences
- Let children face consequences so they learn responsibility and aren't overprotected.
- Resist rescuing them immediately when a reasonable, teachable consequence occurs.
Childhood Lake Injury And Recovery
- Kathy Cook described getting hit in the forehead by a skipping stone as a child and returning to swim the next day.
- Her parents didn't overprotect her and she learned to move forward after trauma.
