Resilience Kits
The Resilience Kits are created by Resilient Wilco, a local community group committed to helping children and parents build strong, healthy relationships.
The concepts and games in this kit are all based on current brain science and relationship skills that will help children and adults manage their stress while building safety and connection. The ideas may seem simple, but the practice can be challenging. We recommend sharing these ideas with friends and family and going through these activities with your children.
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What's in Your Kit!
Everything in this bag is really for children of all ages, and the kit works best if you if share it!- Cool tips and activities on getting to know your nervous system — think, "how is my engine running?"
- Relationship "bullseye" tips for keeping relationships safe during times of stress
- Refrigerator magnet reminders to be used by the whole family
- Items to help kids calm up or calm down and keep their engine running just right
- Books to read together about emotions and how to talk about them
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Ready, Aim and Master the challenge...
How to stay safe and connected in your relationships
Sometimes stress can harm our relationships. Here are some tips to know when to have challenging conversations or talk about behavior. Mastering these habits will help the family feel safe and connected.- Adults and kids in the RED, it make take a while before talking.
- Adults and kids in the YELLOW, it make take a few minutes before talking.
- Adults and kids in the GREEN, bullseye... you are ready to talk.
Tip 1
If your or child are in the RED allow yourself time to calm down before trying to solve problems or talk about behavior issues.Tip 2
If you are in the YELLOW you may need to calm up or down. Take some time to meet your own needs before addressing the needs of others.Tip 3
When you and your children are both in the GREEN, learning and listening can take place. -
How is Your Engine Running?Children who have a nervous system running too fast or to slow may have trouble controlling their behavior or following directions. Helping children learn how their engine is running will help them learn how to control their behavior themselves.Blue
How do you feel?- My engine is running slow. I may be tired, lonely, sad or worried. I may feel like lying down or resting and getting something to eat or drink.
What can you do about it?- Take a nap, have a snack or drink, ask for love and support or a hug, listen to music, exercise, or find a friend or family member to talk to.
Red
How do you feel?- My engine is running fast and I feel excited. I may feel angry or upset, like I am about to explode. My muscles are tense and it could be that I am so hungry or thirsty or tired that I am very cranky.
What can you do about it?- Take deep breaths, go for a walk or run, listen to music, draw or color, find some putty or play doh , use a calming glitter wand or grab a fidget and squeeze.
Green
How do you feel?- My engine is running just right. I feel calm, connected and able to listen or talk with others. I am feeling full and have had enough sleep. My body is relaxed.
NOTE: If these suggestions don't work, ask yourself what works for you? Everyone is different and knowing what works for you is important.
Click image to download infographics.
 Introduction Handout - English
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 Bullseye Handout - English
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 Engine Plate Handout - English
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 Introduction Handout - Español
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 Bullseye Handout - Español
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 Engine Plate Handout - Español
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