Resilience in Kids & Navigating the 7 C’s

During the recent times of uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, mounting health problems, world inequality and unrest, it has become even more evident that today's children need to be equipped with certain skills to meet difficult challenges.

As a parent and teacher of many years, I have been fascinated about this concept “resilience”. We all want our children to be happy, successful, caring, resourceful, resilient individuals. So why is it that some children struggle through challenges only to barely “recover” whilst other children adapt to these life-changing situations and emerge even stronger than before? What are the greatest predictors of success?

This questioning and fascination, has lead me down many paths of research, theories, frameworks and program writing over the past thirty years. I am not an expert. I have more questions than answers however I do believe that children are not born “resilient”. Resilience is a learned ability that can be built, nurtured and developed.

Navigating our way through the 7 C’s (sea’s): Our Journey

Let’s imagine life as a challenging journey on the sea. How can we safely navigate the waters knowing there are storms ahead and dangerous currents below? How do we ensure we make the journey safely and handle any unexpected problems that come from the challenge?

Perhaps we would enlist the support of more experienced sea-fearers as we plan our route or rely on the companionship of trusted friends and teachers along the way. Maybe we could pack an extra life jacket or consider using a stronger boat. With the right tools and supports in place, one thing is sure: Not only will we make it through the challenges of our sea adventure, but we will also emerge more confident and courageous for experiencing it.

Stormy waters can be uncertain, sometimes painful and difficult but they don’t determine our journey’s outcome. We have the ability to be more conscious, take control, develop new skills and grow from the experience. To be resilient and empowered by the experience.

Introducing the 7 C’s Theory to build personal resilience

One of the best models I have found along my journey to help navigate building resilience with student groups has been the 7C's Theory. Over recent years the 7C's framework has been developed through the positive youth development movement in the United States and most notably by Dr Kenneth Ginsburg and his book Building Resilience in Children and Teens. In my work with Active Education we have recently used this amazing model as the base framework for our 8 week In-School Resilience Programs

Below is a brief overview of the 7C's theory and how you should look at using it with your students

1. Control and perspective: What’s in their control. Keeping things in perspective and in context. Viewing emotions as a normal part of life and learning strategies to manage and regulate these emotions. The power of not reacting.
2. Competence: What skills and tools they currently have in their “tool-kit”. How to build on these skills and acknowledging they can do hard things. Identifying personal achievements to build confidence to tackle new challenges.
3. Coping: Embrace change. Accepting that change is a natural and unavoidable part of life. How to adapt “coping” techniques to “growing” techniques.
4. Confidence: How to build optimism and confidence. Taking action and using tools that help you to face your challenges. Maintaining a hopeful outlook on life.
5. Connection: Connecting to self, others and their “world”. Making positive connections and building social networks.
6. Character: Nurturing a positive view of themself and their abilities
7. Contribution: We’re all in this together. Looking at opportunities for self-discovery whilst nurturing themselves and others.

I firmly believe that building a program utilising the 7C's model within your Class or School has the ability to positively impact those students and equip them with tools and supports that they will be able to use to navigate their own journey through life.