This year, I’m diving deeper into the crucial topic of emotional resilience. Having started this exploration last year through my articles in the LinkedIn newsletter, “EQ and Leadership,” I have come to realise just how vital this subject is, especially when it comes to children.
Recently, BBC News highlighted a staggering statistic: 600,000 children in England are currently on antidepressants. This alarming figure underscores the importance of discussing resilience, particularly in younger generations. The article offers insights from various experts, reminding us that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about building a sturdy foundation from the very beginning of life.
One significant aspect of developing resilience in children is the role of parental influence. However, this conversation becomes complex when we consider that many parents grapple with their own mental health challenges. The rise in adults dealing with such issues means that more parents are facing difficulties that can affect their parenting.
Jonice Webb, an insightful author, has written two remarkable books on Childhood Emotional Neglect. Her compassionate approach highlights a crucial point: emotionally neglectful parents often come from backgrounds where they themselves were neglected. This cycle of emotional neglect has persisted for generations. As a member of Generation X, I can personally attest to this; I experienced emotional neglect as a child and recognise that my parents faced similar struggles themselves.
When we think about children’s resilience, it is vital to understand that this is not merely a contemporary issue; it has been simmering beneath the surface for decades. The question arises: where does the journey of building resilience begin? I firmly believe that it starts at home. It is within the family unit that we can initiate the healing process. If we can acknowledge that everyone needs healing and that our past experiences shape who we are today, we can begin to mend the brokenness within our families and communities.
The business world has a remarkable opportunity to make a significant difference. By investing in workplace resilience training, companies can equip their staff with emotional skills that may have been overlooked in their upbringing. The skills learned in such training are easily transferable to family life, meaning that when employees enhance their emotional resilience at work, they bring those skills back home to their families. This creates a ripple effect, fostering resilience not just in the workplace but also within the family unit.
We have a collective responsibility to create a culture that supports emotional growth and understanding. By addressing emotional neglect and equipping individuals with the tools they need, we can break the cycle and nurture resilience in future generations. This is not about pointing fingers or blaming systems; it is about creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
As we move forward, let’s remember that building resilience is a shared journey. Businesses can play a pivotal role in this process by running workplace resilience training, which not only benefits the employees but also strengthens families. Together, we can foster a healthier, more resilient society for our children and ourselves!
Let’s embrace this challenge and work towards a future where emotional resilience is the norm, not the exception. For more insights and resources on this vital topic, be sure to check out the article on BBC News and join me in this important conversation.
