Parental Resilience Protective Factor Conversation Guide

Resilience is the flexibility and inner strength to bounce back when things are not going well. Parents with resilience are better able to protect their children from stress and can help children learn critical self-regulation and problem-solving skills.

All parents have strengths and resources that can serve as a foundation for building their resilience. These may include faith, flexibility, humor, communication, problem-solving, caring relationships, or the ability to identify and access needed services.

Self-care is important, but it is only part of the picture. Families experiencing multiple life stressors—such as a history of trauma, health concerns, marital conflict, substance use, or community violence—and financial stressors—such as unemployment, financial insecurity, or homelessness—face more challenges coping effectively with typical day-to-day stresses of raising children.

Addressing stressors in the family, community, and society will ultimately create stronger, more resilient families.