Building a child’s resilience may be one of the best ways to help them thrive at school and beyond.

School brings so many opportunities for growth and learning. Each day is a source of wonder and new discoveries, personal and academic growth, fun and friendships. But sometimes a challenge may arise.

Enter resilience, the ability to deal with disappointments and to ‘bounce back’ when faced with difficulties.

Here is how to help your child with this vital skill, and how schools support its development.

Why resilience matters

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Manager: Student Wellbeing, Clare McMahon is a Registered Psychologist. 

She said wellbeing at SCS’ 147-strong system of schools is characterised by positive relationships and opportunities to maximise strengths.

Both are factors that have a role to play in building students’ resilience and a positive experience of school.

“At SCS we know that young people who feel safe, connected, secure and have loving and trusting relationships are more likely to be active participants in their learning,” Ms McMahon said.

“They are also more likely to achieve better physical, emotional, social and educational outcomes.”

“Resilience is not about being happy all the time. We need to help our children learn to fail well and learn to accept all emotions because all emotions are a part of life.” – Clare McMahon

A growth mindset

A growth mindset is a trait cultivated in classrooms across the system, and can help to build a student’s resilience.

Part of positive psychology, a growth mindset is a belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Those with a fixed …