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The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, BELONGING, BEING & BECOMING (EYLF)
references children’s resilience Outcome 1 and Outcome 3 as follows:
● Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and sense of agency
● Wellbeing is correlated with resilience, providing children with the capacity to cope with day-to day
stress and challenges.
● Children’s developing resilience and their ability to take increasing responsibility for self-help and
basic health routines promote a sense of independence and confidence
In discussions and workshops, we’ve talked to many early childhood professionals about resilience and how they would describe a child who is resilient. Here are some thoughts:
● Optimistic
● Hopeful
● Good problem solving skills
● Knows that someone is there for them and believes in them
● Knows that there is someone will help them in a challenging situation
● Has a supportive community surrounding them
● Has a sense of wellbeing
● Can cope with problems, difficulties or challenges in a positive way
● Has a good sense of their own ability to do things for themselves
● Feels safe and secure
● Knows that people care for them
● Feels valued
● Usually thinks positively
● Has skills to self-manage their thoughts, feeling and behaviour
● Feels good about themselves
● Has someone to look up to as a role model
● Knows they have someone they can talk to if they are worried about something
● Has a good sense of humour
● Knows what it feels like to achieve something
● Has appropriate emotions
● Has friends
● Manages well in social situations
● Can work through a problem with assistance when needed
● Is close to at least one family member
● Can calm themselves
● Confident
● Feels included and that they belong
● Shows empathy for others
● Knows what to do when they make a mistake
Reflecting Upon Resilience Individually or as a Team
1. How would you describe resilience and a child who is resilient?
2. Do you think resilience can be taught or learned?
3. How do you support children to develop resilience?
4. Do you agree with the items of the list above? What would you add or take away from the list?
5. Is there a child or children at your service that you are concerned about in regard to resilience or like
to support further? How will you go about it?