Scripts for Building Resilience Parenting is a glorious gift, but it is also sometimes incredibly challenging. Every stage of development comes with excitement and challenges. In those challenging moments, it’s incredibly useful to have some scripts on hand to guide you and provide moments of connection with your child. We’ve put together a few to add to your toolkit for some of the most common parenting scenarios.
After Hearing Your Child Say, “I Can’t Do It” INSTEAD OF:
T RY:
“Okay, I’ll do it for you.”
“You can’t do it yet.”
This script points your child to a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset. The fact that he can’t do something yet doesn’t mean he never will.
When Your Child Makes a Mistake INSTEAD OF:
T RY:
“It’s okay, don’t worry about it.”
“Let’s try again.”
It’s easy to want to absolve our children from the uncomfortable feelings that come with making a mistake, but feeling better doesn’t make a situation better. If the child is able to try again and get it right, it will go a long way toward building good habits.
After Hurting Someone INSTEAD OF:
“Why did you do that? You know better than that.”
T RY:
“How can you make it right?”
Many times, a child doesn’t fully know why they did something hurtful. In truth, they don’t necessarily need to know why they did it in order to know it was wrong. However, giving them the opportunity to make it right by apologizing and asking forgiveness models what Jesus invites us to.
When Dealing With Challenges INSTEAD OF:
“It’s okay. Let me do this for you.”
T RY:
“We can do it together.”
Fighting our children’s battles for them can give them the impression that we don’t think they are capable. Coming alongside them, in contrast, can offer the support they need to accomplish the task at hand.