There are several ways to encourage a positive mindset, which goes a long way to building resiliency. Here are a few we really like.
- Explore STEM
Learning to fail is part of problem-solving. STEM activities are one of the most natural ways to learn how to continue trying in the face of failure. For example, The Three Little Pigs is a perfect story to inspire STEM play: you can challenge your child to build houses for stuffed animals to hide in – pretend to be the big bad wolf and try to blow down the house.
For a ton of STEM activity ideas, check out the lists on Little Bins for Little Hands
And if you’re a fan of Sesame Street, check out Grover starring in 5 Fun Science Experiments for Kids.
- Play to model problem solving
There’s a reason kids love puppets and toys – playing with these items give them a chance to “play out” the things they see every day and to experiment in a safe environment. If your child has a favorite book, act out the characters and story together. Once you try the story they know, create new stories together where their character needs to face a fear or solve a problem. If your child doesn’t have a favorite story, make one up together using a character they love. - Inspire gratitude
A practice of acknowledging what you are grateful for is proven to help keep things in perspective. As we shared in our December 2019 newsletter, here are some social emotional activities that will help you teach your child to be sensitive, considerate, and resilient.
- Love and Trust Building (Birth-6 months)
- Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (6-12 months)
- Cooperative Play (12-18 months)
- Initiating My Own Play (18-24 months)
- Care for the Animals (24-30 months)
- Three Nice Mice (30-36 months)
- Mad Face, Scary Face (36-42 months)
- Puppet Pals (42-48 months)
- Helping with Family Chores (48-54 months)
- Using Books to Support Social Emotional Development (54-60 months)
