This presentation provides a practical framework for supporting children and adolescents through challenge, growth, and independence. It emphasizes that struggle is a natural and necessary part of development when balanced with appropriate support.
Patrice Crisostomo, PhD, introduces strategies for setting youth up for success by offering achievable challenges while avoiding overprotection or removal of all difficulty. Participants learn how to support healthy risk-taking, validate emotions during setbacks, and avoid reinforcing avoidance or escape behaviors.
Key topics include:
• Why struggle is inevitable and how to balance challenge with support
• How to encourage effort without eliminating failure
• Using specific, labeled praise to reinforce effort and build confidence
• The importance of praising process rather than outcomes
• Validation strategies that strengthen communication and emotional safety
• Practical language adults can use to listen, reflect, and collaborate with youth
This recording is designed for parents, caregivers, and educators seeking evidence-informed tools to support emotional regulation, motivation, and independence in children and teens, particularly within high-pressure environments.
Watch the video:
CHC Community Education, December 10, 2025
View the slides:
The process of building resilience is a lifelong journey of learning to cope with challenging experiences and adapt well in the face of adversity. Check out our podcast for more strategies on how to help your child build resilience.
For more resources, check out CHC’s Resource Library.
If you have concerns about your child, CHC can help. Explore your options with a free 30-minute parent consultation. Contact a Care Coordinator to get started.
