By Dayna Park
Resilience isn’t about avoiding stress or hardship—it’s about learning how to adapt, recover, and grow stronger together. Recent Canadian studies have found that supportive relationships, positive parenting practices, and access to mental health resources all play a vital role in fostering resilience at home.
When life gets tough, what makes some families bend without breaking? That’s the power of resilience—and new research is helping us better understand how families develop it, especially in the face of adversity.
The answer, according to leading Canadian researchers, lies not only in the strength of individuals but in the environments that surround them. Resilience isn’t something a child simply has—it’s something that’s built, and families play a central role in that process.
What Is Family Resilience?
Resilience refers to a family’s ability to navigate challenges, recover from setbacks, and emerge stronger. In children, it often shows up as emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to change. But these traits don’t develop in isolation.
“Resilience isn’t just about individual strengths,” says Dr. Michael Ungar, Director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University. “It takes an environment rich in supportive relationships, safety, and ways to get basic needs met to make it possible for a child to realize their full potential.”
A 2023 study led by Dr. Ungar found that families who feel connected to their community and have access to culturally relevant supports are more likely to report positive outcomes after major stressors, such as financial strain, mental health challenges, or unexpected life events.
Dr. Ungar calls these external supports that make internal strength possible “scaffolding”. They include stable routines, opportunities to contribute, access to community, and nurturing relationships both within the home and beyond.
“Resilience is as much about what a child receives as what’s inside,” he explains.
The Role of Environment and Community
A growing body of research shows that when children are surrounded by predictability, encouragement, and strong connections, they’re better equipped to handle stress—even when life throws curveballs.
His study highlights how access to culturally relevant services, mental health support, and peer connections significantly increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for families facing adversity. These resources not only help children cope but also reduce caregiver stress, which has a ripple effect on the entire family’s well-being.
“Families are critical to a child’s resilience,” says Dr. Ungar. “They provide routines that make the world feel predictable and safe, opportunities to develop a strong sense of identity and self-worth, and relationships with extended family, neighbours, and community.”
In short, it takes a village and a framework that allows families to thrive, not just survive.
How Strongest Families Builds Resilience
At Strongest Families Institute, our virtual coaching programs are designed with these research findings in mind. Every coaching call focuses on building routines, communication strategies, and emotional skills that empower both caregivers and children.
Take the example of evening routines. For many families struggling with bedtime challenges, SFI’s coaching helps introduce consistency and reduce power struggles—key ingredients in helping children feel secure. Or when a child is experiencing anxiety, caregivers are taught to respond with calm, confident support and use evidence-based strategies to help kids cope.
These aren’t just techniques, they’re building blocks of resilience.
What the Data Shows
Here are some of the research-backed factors most strongly associated with resilient families:
- Open Communication: Families that talk about feelings, listen to each other, and resolve conflict respectfully create safer emotional spaces for kids.
- Consistent Routines: Predictability helps children feel in control, especially during times of uncertainty.
- Community Connection: Families who feel supported by schools, neighbours, or peer groups report higher well-being.
- Sense of Purpose: Giving children opportunities to contribute—like helping with chores or caring for pets—builds confidence and identity.
- Access to Support: Programs like those at SFI give families a safe place to learn, grow, and ask for help.
A Call to Action
As families head into a new school year, with its mix of excitement and stress, it’s the perfect time to focus on building resilience. Whether it’s through daily routines, community connections, or structured coaching, every small action helps create a foundation for long-term success.
At Strongest Families, we believe resilience is possible for every family. And we’re here to help make it happen.
Learn more about Dr. Ungar’s work on resilience
Explore our parenting and youth programs