Gently nurturing hardiness in young children: A framework for parents and educators

Exploring how caregivers and educators can help children develop resilience, confidence and coping skills through supportive environments and everyday interactions

Debashis Dutta, School of Community Services

About the project

This CNERG-funded research examined resilience, with a particular focus on hardiness—the ability to adapt, persevere and grow through challenges. The project explored how caregivers, educators and communities can support the development of these qualities in young children.

The challenge

Children face a range of social, emotional and environmental pressures as they grow and develop. While resilience is often viewed as an individual trait, the project sought to better understand the role caregivers, educators and community supports play in helping children build confidence and navigate challenges.

Approach

• Explored existing research related to resilience, hardiness and child development
• Conducted qualitative research with child-care providers
• Gathered perspectives on how resilience and hardiness are nurtured in early childhood settings
• Identified strategies and practices already being used by caregivers and educators
• Developed a practical framework to support resilience-building in young children

Results

• Created a framework to help caregivers and educators foster hardiness in children
• Identified practical strategies that support resilience in everyday settings
• Highlighted the importance of supportive relationships and community environments
• Built on established theories of resilience and child development
• Developed a resource with potential applications in child care, education and parenting contexts

Why it matters

• Supports the healthy social and emotional development of children
• Provides practical guidance for parents, educators and caregivers
• Encourages community-based approaches to fostering resilience
• Helps children develop skills for navigating challenges and change
• Contributes to broader conversations about child well-being and mental health