Definition:
- the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness (from Google)
- an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change (from Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
- that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. (from Psychology Today)
- coping skills so that you can better handle life's hardships (from the Mayo Clinic)
No matter whose definition we use, it's clear that we all want more of this for our children and ourselves.
We know that the FS lifestyle will cause some unavoidable upheavals in the our lives and that of our children. We want to know that our choices, as well as events beyond our control, are not going to emotionally scar our children. Teaching and modeling resilience is the key.
Additional Resources on Resilience
Seminars
Encouraging Resilience in Your Foreign Affairs Child (MQ500)
Email the Foreign Service Institute’s Transition Center for more information
This evening seminar is a valued added resource for all parents in the foreign affairs community. Participants will hear from both parents of children who were raised overseas and the Third Culture Kids themselves. Discussions will address the characteristics of an internationally mobile childhood; influences on cultural identity; characteristics of families living overseas; and strategies for raising resilient children.
Building Your Resilience in the Foreign Service (MQ502)
Email the Foreign Service Institute’s Transition Center for more information
This foundational course is designed to proactively meet the needs of foreign affairs community members, including employees, family members, and members of household, for foreign affairs community resilience training. This one-day workshop takes a practical approach and explores the need for resiliency, the meanings and definitions of the term, develops strategies to increase resilience to thrive in an internationally mobile lifestyle.
Articles
Bouncing Back: Transition and Re-Entry Planning for the Parents of Foreign Service Youth.
Washington, DC. Family Liaison Office
Raising Resilient Children in the Foreign Service
Washington, DC. FSI Transition Center Staff. From FSYF’s Parent e-newsletter, ‘Around the World’
Promoting Your Child’s Emotional Health
Rebecca Grappo, M.Ed. Foreign Service Journal. June 2011
The Road to Resilience: 10 Ways to Build Resilience
American Psychological Association
Robin Pascoe
Websites
