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We’re talking about a major organ capable of healing itself. So, the healthier the organ (in this case the brain), the more likely it is able to create and repair broken synapses, shut down unnecessary neurological pathways, and build strong connections for higher, healthier performance.
For example, a friend experienced a severe brain injury last year, leaving him with significant brain damage, and a less than 5% chance of recovering. The medical team and his loved ones prepared for the worst. However, he overcame all odds, regaining his ability to talk, walk, and is working on regaining short-term memory.
The key elements to his recovery came down to his physical health, but also his mental health. His cognitive resilience before the accident!
Having built that cognitive resilience in his childhood, and part of his adulthood, allowed for a positive outcome in his recovery. It becomes clear in cases like these how important it is to build your cognitive resiliency at a young age. And how it becomes an important way of protecting and boosting our brain’s health performance throughout our lifetime.
The American Psychology Association (2021) describes resiliency as occurring in three areas: individual, family, and environmental. It is evident, through over 25 years of research, that resilience is important to our mental well-being. The resiliency an individual demonstrates at different life stages is based on how they navigate the world around them, how they perceive themselves, and how they interact with others.
Firstly, it’s important to note that building resilience in children isn’t about taking adversity away. It’s about providing the right support so that they can develop the healthy skills to overcome those adversities.
Example: I understand how disappointed you are that you couldn’t go to your music class today. I would be disappointed too. What could we do with this free time this week? (They may need some help here.) Maybe we could put together a concert? Or, I know you were really hoping to try out your new markers. Should we take this time and do some drawing?
Helping our children develop cognitive resilience is like helping them develop physically. Eating well is equivalent to fostering long-term healthy relationships. Sleeping well is the equivalent to having the executive functioning skills to manage emotions, problem solve, and think critically. Just as taking vitamins is as important as self-care.
Remember that a resilient child is a child capable of overcoming adversity. Although we want to protect our children from ever experiencing adversity, it’s impossible to do so. (Yes! I know that’s scary.) Instead, I encourage you as a parent to provide opportunities for them to develop the resiliency and coping skills required to overcome adversity in a healthy and meaningful way.
Clinical Director Alysha Aubin is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and children, adolescents, and family therapist. She specializes in developmental trauma, anxiety and mood regulation with kids and their families, and work with individuals and couples. Alysha also has specific training in helping families in the middle of divorce or separation.
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