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Featured Article in 'I Care Week'

A child standing between two growing trees visually representing resilience and self-care as the foundation for a child's lifelong growth

I'm honoured to have an article published as a feature piece during I Care Week - an initiative of Kizzi Magazine. I Care Week is an annual event held from February 7 to 13 that reminds us of the importance of caring - for ourselves, our communities, the environment, and each other. In a world often dominated by fast-paced living and individual pursuits, I Care Week offers a moment to reflect on the value of empathy, the impact of kindness, and the responsibility we all share in making the world a better place.


I Care Week is a global movement that encourages individuals, organisations, and communities to take meaningful actions that foster care. Over the course of seven days, we focus on four key pillars:

  • Self-care: Prioritising mental, emotional, and physical health.

  • Community care: Strengthening bonds by supporting local initiatives, neighbours, and vulnerable groups.

  • Environmental care: Taking steps to preserve and protect our planet for future generations.

  • Care for others: Extending kindness, respect, and help to those around us.


This week-long event is designed to spark change, whether it’s through small daily actions or larger efforts, creating a ripple effect that transforms our world. It’s a reminder that every act of care, no matter how big or small, contributes to a collective well-being.


Here is a link to my article published in I Care Week...or you can read it below!


Building Resilience and Self-Care: A Lifelong Foundation for Growth


I remember speaking with a mum who took a deep breath and sighed, “I just want my child to be happy, confident, and able to handle life.” And I completely understood. That’s exactly what every parent wants for their child.


But the truth is, confidence and resilience don’t just magically appear – they’re built, shaped, and nurtured over time. Building resilience and self-care requires intention, practice, and guidance.


As someone who works closely with children and families through Sapling Minds, I’ve seen firsthand how important self-care, personal growth, and resilience are – not just for adults but for kids, too. Real self-care isn’t about bubble baths or momentary relaxation; it’s about nurturing inner strength, developing emotional resilience, and fostering a mindset that helps us grow instead of retreat when challenges arise.


So, let’s talk about how we can prioritise emotional wellbeing and resilience – for ourselves and for our children – so that we can all face life’s challenges with confidence, authenticity, and a sense of purpose.

 

Why Resilience Matters More Than Ever


Life isn’t always smooth sailing. We all experience setbacks, disappointments, and moments of uncertainty. But what separates those who crumble under pressure from those who bounce back isn’t luck – it’s resilience.


Resilience is what helps a child push through frustration when learning something new instead of giving up. It’s what enables an adult to navigate career changes, personal struggles, and unexpected hardships without feeling defeated.


And here’s the good news: resilience isn’t something you either have or don’t. It’s a skill that can be cultivated.


How to Build Resilience in Yourself and Your Child


1. Normalise Failure as a Learning Opportunity

I once worked with a child who would completely shut down when he made mistakes. “I’m terrible at this. I give up,” he’d say. We worked on shifting his mindset from “I failed” to “What did I learn?” And over time, he started approaching challenges with curiosity instead of fear.


When we treat mistakes as something to be ashamed of, we create a fear of trying. But when we reframe failure as an opportunity to learn, we help children (and ourselves) develop the courage to take risks, explore new ideas, and persist through difficulties.


2. Teach Emotional Regulation

Resilient people don’t ignore or suppress their emotions – they learn how to manage them. Instead of reacting impulsively, they pause, reflect, and choose a response.


A simple yet powerful strategy? Name the emotion. Studies show that labelling what we’re feeling helps calm the nervous system. Teaching kids to say, “I feel frustrated right now” instead of lashing out helps them process emotions in a healthier way.


3. Encourage Problem-Solving

When faced with a challenge, instead of immediately fixing it for your child, ask, “What do you think we could try?”


When children are given space to think critically, they develop confidence in their ability to handle life’s ups and downs. And the best part? This skill will serve them for a lifetime.

 

Authenticity: The Key to Self-Worth


Resilience is important but so is being grounded in who you are. Authenticity means embracing yourself fully, rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mould.


Unfortunately, children are often taught to prioritise external validation over self-trust. They learn to seek approval – good grades, praise, social acceptance – rather than tuning into what truly makes them happy.


And let’s be honest – many of us adults struggle with this too. Between responsibilities, expectations, and societal pressures, it’s easy to lose sight of our own needs and desires.


Ways to Foster Authenticity


1. Encourage Self-Reflection

Ask your child (or yourself): What makes you feel truly happy? What do you love doing, even if no one is watching? The more we understand what lights us up, the easier it is to live in alignment with our true selves.


2. Model Vulnerability

Let your child see that you’re human, too. Share your feelings, admit when you don’t have all the answers, and show that it’s okay to be imperfect. This gives them permission to do the same.


3. Celebrate Individuality

I once worked with a child who loved art but felt pressured to play sports like his friends. He was afraid to stand out. Once he embraced his passion, his confidence and joy skyrocketed.


Instead of only praising kids for achievements, celebrate their creativity, kindness, curiosity, and unique way of seeing the world. When children feel accepted for who they are – not just what they achieve – they develop lasting confidence.

 

Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Spirit: A Mindset for Growth


I’m not just talking about raising future business owners. An entrepreneurial spirit is about creativity, innovative thinking, curiosity, problem-solving, and adaptability. It’s about seeing challenges as opportunities rather than roadblocks.


How to Foster an Entrepreneurial Spirit


1. Reframe Challenges as Opportunities

Instead of saying, “This is too hard,” try “What can I learn from this?” Teaching children to approach obstacles with curiosity rather than fear empowers them to take action.


2. Encourage Creativity and Independent Thinking

Give kids space to explore their own ideas. Whether it’s building a fort or experimenting with a new hobby, fostering creativity without micromanaging is key.


3. Foster a Healthy Relationship with Failure

The most successful people don’t fear failure – they use it as a stepping stone. Instead of rescuing kids from disappointment, help them process setbacks in a constructive way. A simple “What do you think you could try next time?” can shift their perspective.

 

Self-Care as the Foundation for Growth


You can’t pour from an empty cup. If we want to raise resilient, authentic, and adaptable children, we need to model those qualities ourselves. And that starts with self-care – not as an indulgence, but as a necessity.


Practical Self-Care Strategies

  • Set Boundaries – Protect your time and energy.

  • Prioritise Rest – Sleep is essential for emotional wellbeing.

  • Practice Gratitude – Focusing on what’s good rewires the brain for positivity.

  • Move Your Body – Exercise reduces stress and boosts mood.

  • Seek Support – Lean on your “village” – you don’t have to do it all alone.

 

Final Thoughts: It Starts with You


If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: resilience, authenticity, and an entrepreneurial spirit aren’t just traits – they’re skills that can be nurtured. And the best way to teach them to children is to practice them ourselves.


Parenting is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether through professional support (such as a Child Development Coach), a strong community, or simply taking time to care for yourself, you are building the foundation your child needs to thrive.


So, join me in making the commitment – to ourselves and to our children – to cultivate resilience, embrace authenticity, and nurture an entrepreneurial spirit that welcomes growth. Because when we do, we empower the next generation to step into their fullest potential.


If you're wondering, "How do I start?" – just focus on the first step, not the whole ladder: What’s one small action you can take today to nurture resilience, authenticity, or an entrepreneurial spirit in yourself or your child?


You’ve got this! And if you ever need support along the way, I’m here to help.


Use the below link to book a call to explore support for your little one.



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