Resilience is one of the most important skills children and teens can develop. It helps them adapt to challenges, manage stress, and keep trying even when things feel difficult. From early elementary through high school, there are many ways families and educators can support resilience—through intentional conversations, shared media experiences, and meaningful stories.
1. Coviewing: Turning Screen Time Into Learning Time
Coviewing—watching shows alongside your child or teen—creates powerful opportunities for connection and reflection. Research shows that when parents and educators engage with children during media use, asking questions and linking the story to real-life experiences, it can strengthen social-emotional skills.
Some examples across grade levels:
- Elementary (K–5): Bluey, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and PBS Kids shows like Arthur and Molly of Denali highlight problem-solving and emotional awareness.
- Middle School (6–8): Nickelodeon shows like The Loud House or Avatar: The Last Airbender encourage empathy, identity development, and perseverance.
- High School (9–12): Disney and Pixar films such as Inside Out, Turning Red, and Encanto can spark conversations about complex emotions, family dynamics, and self-acceptance.
When coviewing, try asking:
- “What challenge did the character face, and how did they handle it?”
- “What would you have done in that situation?”
- “When have you felt the same way?”
These discussions help children at every age practice reflection and resilience in safe, supportive ways.
2. Stories and Books as Resilience Builders
Books provide a window into others’ experiences and a mirror for our own. They can be especially powerful for developing empathy, coping strategies, and a sense of belonging.
Here are some age-appropriate recommendations:
- Elementary: The Rabbit Who Listened by Cori Doerrfeld, I Can Do Hard Things by Gabi Garcia, The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein.
- Middle School: Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.
- High School: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, Turtles All the Way Down by John Green.
3. Educational Networks and Online Resources
Many trusted children’s media organizations offer resilience-building resources for different age groups:
- PBS Kids (K–5): Free videos, interactive games, and classroom activities designed around empathy, problem-solving, and perseverance.
- Nickelodeon (K–8): Programs and parent resources that encourage social-emotional growth, identity, and positive peer relationships.
- Disney (K–12): Films and series on Disney Channel and Disney+ often weave in themes of resilience, teamwork, and emotional awareness.
- Sesame Street (PreK–3): Free videos, songs, and printables developed with child development experts to strengthen emotional skills from the start.
4. Why Shared Experiences Matter
Across grade levels, the most powerful part of using media and stories for resilience is sharing them together. Whether you’re watching a Disney film with your teenager, reading aloud with your second grader, or discussing a novel with your middle schooler, the key is dialogue. Reflection and conversation turn passive experiences into active learning, equipping students with tools they can use in real life.
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