How to prepare children for hardships and tragedies

How to prepare children for hardships and tragedies 
The Citizen; by Dr. Victor Garlock; 2/4/25 
All of us must face hardships and tragedies. How well we are able to get through difficult times is a major factor affecting the overall quality of our lives. Sometimes these challenges arrive individually, as in a sudden serious illness, an accident, or the death of a loved one. Sometimes — as in last fall’s devastating floods in North Carolina or the recent wildfires in Southern California — entire communities must find a way to move forward. ... Resilience is the capacity to recover from challenges and adversity. Tragic optimism is the determination to remain optimistic and find meaning and purpose in the face of tragedy. [With children:]

• First, provide strong emotional support and encourage social connections ... of a strong attachment between the child and caregivers. ...
• Second, help them build self-esteem by providing appropriate praise and encouragement ... [with] the skill of delayed gratification ...
• Third, encourage children to express their emotions and develop the skills necessary to balance them.
  

Editor's note: Pair this with today's posts "Grief and bereavement books for kids and teens" and "Today's Encouragement: It is easier to build strong children than ..."