Why Resilience Doesn't Mean What You Think (And Why It Still Matters)
Jul 16, 2025In this week’s video blog, I’m diving into a word that can feel really loaded—resilience.
If you've ever been told your child “just needs to be more resilient,” you’re not alone—and you're right to feel frustrated. That kind of thinking places the problem squarely on the child, overlooking the bigger picture of school anxiety, which often stems from a mix of personal, environmental, and systemic challenges.
In this video, I talk about:
-
Why real resilience is about more than just “grit”
-
What factors actually help children cope in tricky environments
-
Why we need to support children to feel capable, connected, and calm
This isn’t about blaming children—it’s about empowering them with the skills, relationships, and support they need to feel better, even when the world around them can’t shift fast enough.
Resilience isn’t about being tough—it’s about having the right tools, the right support, and the belief that things can improve.
Is your child worried about school?
If so, download my free guide "The 12 most important things to do when your child is worried about going to school". The link is in the sidebar.
Take a look at my free three-part School Anxiety Support mini-series. It covers how to support your child with the morning routine, what support to advocate for and how to cope with your own wellbeing in challenging circumstances.