In the first five years of life, children’s brains and bodies are developing at a remarkable pace. These early years are also when children are most vulnerable to the effects of trauma, but they are also the years when resilience can be built most powerfully. As a mother and educator, I’ve come to understand that being nurturing, observant, and consistent doesn’t just help with behavior or routines—it helps children develop the tools they need to cope with adversity. It helps them build resilience. But what exactly are resilience and protective factors? And how can we strengthen them in our homes, classrooms, and communities?
Resilience is a child’s ability to cope with, recover from, and adapt to difficult experiences. It’s not something a child is born with or without—resilience can be built. It’s developed through strong relationships, supportive environments, and consistent care.
When children are given the chance to feel safe, seen, and supported, they are better able to develop healthy coping mechanisms that serve them throughout life.
“Resilience is not a trait—it’s a capacity we help children grow into.”
— Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP), 2018
Protective factors are the conditions or attributes that help children and families deal with stress or trauma in a healthy way. These factors reduce the impact of negative experiences and promote well-being. They cover physical, social, and emotional areas of development.
According to the Strengthening Families Framework, there are five core protective factors that make a big difference in a child’s life:
Parental Resilience – A caregiver’s ability to bounce back from stress.
Social Connections – Healthy relationships that offer support.
Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development – Understanding how children grow and learn.
Concrete Support in Times of Need – Access to food, housing, healthcare, etc.
Social and Emotional Competence of Children – Helping kids express and manage emotions.
These factors, especially when combined, create a safety net that helps children thrive, even in difficult circumstances.
From personal experience with my toddler, I’ve learned that routines are magical. Even the small things—like a bedtime song or a consistent mealtime—give children a sense of safety and predictability.
When life feels uncertain, routines are the anchor. They help children feel in control and calm. That’s why routines are often considered a “micro-protective factor”—they are small actions that build big feelings of security.
Working with children who have experienced trauma requires compassionate, trauma-informed care. You may notice signs like mood swings, aggression, clinginess, or regression in behaviors. These are not “bad behaviors” as much as they are often a child’s response to stress.
So what can we do?
Observe behaviors and document patterns.
Create safe, stable, and predictable environments.
Support the whole family with empathy and without judgment.
Connect families to community resources like parenting support, food banks, or mental health services.
This is the question I’ve asked myself as both a mom and an educator:
How can I make a difference in building resilience beyond my own home?
The answer lies in community connection. Attending local events, sharing trusted resources, and simply being available to listen or help another parent goes a long way. As they say: Teamwork makes the dream work.
We’re all in this together—raising children is not a solo job. When we support each other, we support our children.
Building resilience starts with protective relationships, consistent routines, emotional safety, and a sense of belonging. Every encouraging word, every moment of stability, every effort to understand a child’s needs contributes to that protective shield.
The first five years matter—let’s make them count.
Zero to Three – Resources on early childhood development
Strengthening Families Framework – Learn about the five protective factors
TED Talks on Child Psychology and Trauma
College textbooks & ongoing training