Resilience is a hot topic these days — everyone wants to know how to become more resilient, how to raise resilient kids and what it all means in the long term for our success and happiness. The ability to bounce back from hard times and keep a positive attitude can certainly be a help in life, but exactly how do people develop resilience? Is it just a matter of taking some hard knocks and learning to get back up to try again?
Learning to overcome challenges and get past failures is valuable, but there are other, more enjoyable ways to improve resilience in kids (and adults). One surprising way to build grit and flexibility can be practiced at the family dinner table: Sharing and teaching your family’s history.
Research shows that people who are more familiar with their family’s stories are more resilient than their peers, probably because of the sense of belonging that comes from knowing who they are and where they fit into a whole family unit. Resilient kids handle stress better, while adults who regularly share family stories and know their histories have better mental health than those who don’t.
So dust off the family photos and start sharing some memories! You’ll be glad you did.
Use family stories to help spark a conversation.
Team Member Bri DeRosa shares storytelling advice and questions to get the conversation flowing.
Target resilience with advice from an expert.
Co-founder Dr. Anne Fishel provides expert tips for making resilience the centerpiece of your family dinner.
Building Resilient Kids, One Story at a Time »
Let the food tell the story.
Family recipes have stories of their own to offer. Read about one family’s use of food as a way to share history with their kids, and try some of the discussion questions to jump-start your own food storytelling.
Bring other generations to the table.
Two guest bloggers point out all the contributions grandparents can make when you invite them to share in family dinner.
Grandparents at the Dinner Table: The Importance of Talking About Family History »
How Grandparents Can Help with Family Dinner »
Family of the Month
Meet the Walter family, a mother and daughter finding interesting — and unique — ways to enjoy family dinners together!
Real Family Dinner Projects: The Walter Family »
Food
Make a beautiful brunch — or brunchy dinner — with these easy recipes!
Broccoli Cheese Strata »
Waldorf Fruit Salad »
Apricot Glazed Ham »
Fun
Get to know your family history with a round of “Which One?”
Conversation
Set the table with these Interview placemats to help everyone discover more family stories!
