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Ask the Experts: Building Resilience and Confidence in Children

Ask the Experts: Building Resilience and Confidence in Children

How can parents build resilience and confidence in their children? When our children experience big emotions, frustration, or setbacks, it’s natural to want to help. You notice your child struggling to tie their shoe? We might quickly do it for them so you can get out the door. Did they come home upset about a disagreement with a friend? We may immediately want to know who hurt them, offer advice, or tell them to stay away from that person. Our instinct to help comes from a good place, but …
Sep 9th 2026 Laura Filtness, School Counselor
Best Books to Help Kids Handle Peer Pressure and Make Confident Choices

Best Books to Help Kids Handle Peer Pressure and Make Confident Choices

Peer pressure is a normal part of growing up, but that does not make it easy for children to navigate. From wanting to fit in with friends to feeling pressured to make choices that go against their values, kids face social influences every day. The good news is that peer pressure resistance is a skill that can be taught and strengthened. Why Teaching Kids About Peer Pressure Matters Children experience peer pressure in many forms. Sometimes it is obvious, such as being encouraged to break rule …
Feb 11th 2026 Boys Town Press Contributor
Building Self-Determination: 7 Essential Steps for Confidence and Success

Building Self-Determination: 7 Essential Steps for Confidence and Success

Self‑determination plays a huge role in how we set goals, stay motivated, and bounce back when things get hard. You can see it when a student keeps practicing even after failing a test, when a teenager advocates for what they need, or when an adult sticks with a long-term goal despite setbacks. Whether you are supporting students, clients, or your own personal growth, these seven steps can help strengthen self‑determination in practical, meaningful ways. 1. Understand What Self‑Determination Is …
Jan 7th 2026 Boys Town Press Contributors