Here are age-specific resilience-building checklists for parents. Each checklist is concise, structured, and tailored to key developmental stages: toddlers/preschoolers, school-age kids, and teenagers. I’ve also included a separate checklist for parents to build their own resilience, since many may be struggling themselves.

Resilience-Building Checklist for Parents of Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 1–5)

Build Early Emotional Strength

• Offer consistent comfort and affection
• Help name their feelings (e.g., “You’re feeling sad”)
• Practice co-regulation (calm yourself to help calm them)
• Encourage imaginative play to process emotions
• Let them try manageable challenges (“You can do it!”)
• Read books about big feelings and brave characters. After they are 3 years old, you could also show them video stories around these topics.
• Stick to routines for security (bedtime, mealtimes, etc.)
• Praise effort, not just outcomes (“You tried so hard!”)

Resilience-Building Checklist for Parents of School-Age Kids (Ages 6–12)

Strengthen Coping, Confidence & Problem-Solving

• Let them handle small problems (don’t rush to fix everything)
• Praise effort and perseverance (“You worked hard on that!”)
• Build routines but allow flexibility for learning moments
• Normalize mistakes: “What can you learn from this?”
• Teach coping tools (deep breathing, positive self-talk)
• Foster strong friendships and empathy
• Give responsibilities to build confidence (chores, tasks)
• Stay emotionally available – listen without judgment

Resilience Checklist for Parents of Teens (Ages 13–18)

Support Emotional Growth & Independence

• Keep communication open (ask, don’t interrogate)
• Give them space to make decisions and face consequences
• Help break challenges into small, actionable steps
• Reassure them of your unconditional love and belief in them
• Encourage active coping, not avoidance
• Support connections with mentors, teachers, role models
• Talk about values, purpose, and contribution to others
• Model healthy expression of emotions (it’s okay to be vulnerable)

Finally, Checklist for Parents: Build Your Own Resilience

Model What You Want Your Child to Learn

• Seek social support – connect with others regularly
• Use stress-reduction techniques (breathing, mindfulness)
• Take small steps toward solving problems
• Be kind to yourself – challenge negative self-talk
• Reframe setbacks as learning moments
• Prioritize basic self-care: sleep, food, movement
• Practice flexibility and acceptance: things won’t be perfect
• Let kids see you coping in healthy ways

Happy Parenting!