How do I build emotional resilience in my preschooler?

Emotional resilience — the ability to recover from setbacks — is built through everyday experiences, not shielded from them. Let your child experience manageable frustration: a puzzle that is tricky, waiting for a turn, losing a game. Resist rushing to fix every problem; instead, coach them through it: 'That's hard. What could you try?' Label emotions for them: 'You're disappointed because we can't go to the park. That makes sense.' Read stories where characters face challenges and overcome them. Celebrate effort over outcome: 'You kept trying even when it was hard!' Maintain predictable routines, as structure builds a sense of safety. Most importantly, model resilience yourself — narrate your own coping: 'I'm frustrated that dinner burned. Let me take a breath and figure out plan B.' Consult your pediatrician if your child seems unusually fragile or unable to recover from minor setbacks.