Resilience Week 2
Dr. Ginsburg developed the 7 C's model to center around these critical ideas. “First, children and teens live up or down to the expectations that (we) adults set for them. The young people need us (adults) to hold them accountable to high expectations and love them unconditionally. Second, modeling resilience for kids and teens is more important than discussing it.”
So, what are the 7 C’s of resilience, according to Dr. Ken Ginsburg a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine and co-founder and director of programs at the Center for Parent and Teen Communication.
Competence: When we notice what young people are doing right and give them opportunities to develop important skills, they feel competent. We undermine competence when we don't allow young people to recover themselves after a fall.
Confidence: Young people need confidence to be able to navigate the world, think outside the box, and recover from challenges.
Connection: Connections with other people, schools, and communities offer young people the security that allows them to stand on their own and develop creative solutions.
Character: Young people need a clear sense of right and wrong and a commitment to integrity.
Contribution: Young people who contribute to the well-being of others will receive gratitude rather than condemnation. They will learn that contributing feels good and may therefore more easily turn to others and do so without shame.
Coping: Young people who possess a variety of healthy coping strategies will be less likely to turn to dangerous quick fixes when stressed.
Control: Young people who understand privileges and respect are earned through demonstrated responsibility will learn to make wise choices and feel a sense of control.
Although each definition and description are written in the context for “young people”, I think everyone can find value in the 7C’s. They focus on our inward abilities to be self-aware, to cope with stress, to deal with differences and challenges, and to trust in ourselves to make wise decisions. Then we can move outward, make quality connections with others and contribute to the greater good. There are many connections in the 7C’s in mindfulness practices. When we practice mindfulness and meditation, we are learning to cultivate a more peaceful attitude of acceptance towards ourselves and others. We know that our actions affect others and become more aware of what we think, say and do. Living mindfully means we have found meaning and purpose offering what we can to benefit others, whether that’s teaching, volunteering, or helping through giving. Reread the 7C’s and reflect on your life as it pertains to each one. If you want to grow and learn then you will find value in checking in.