When children are stressed, our impulse is to swoop in and solve the problem at hand. But that’s not the way to build confidence in kids to handle pressure and tackle challenges on their own. Resilience comes from trying new things, testing their skills, and finding they can succeed — or realizing that even if they don’t, they’ll be okay. They can try again.

This week we’re exploring how parents can support kids to stretch out of their comfort zones, and figure out how to bounce back if they come up short. How and when is parental pushing healthy? We look at some challenges in developing self-confidence particular to girls, and to boys. And if a child is struggling with emotional or learning challenges, how to know when your support is helping, and when it could be hurting.

– Caroline Miller, Editorial Director | ✉