Leading researchers show that some children develop resilience – the ability to overcome serious hardship – and that others do not. Understanding why some children do well despite adverse experiences early in life is important to being able to help those who do not. That same understanding can help create more effective policies and programs that help more children reach their full potential.
The most common factor in children who develop resilience is at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive parent, caregiver, or other adult. From those relationships comes the personalized responsiveness and protection that can buffer children from disruptions in their emotional development. They also allow children to respond to adversity and thrive.
