The March Mental Health Minute is all about cultivating resilience. Every month, Frenship students and families are tasked with a challenge centered around the theme. The idea for this month’s theme is that students and Frenship families will reflect on challenges they have faced and recognize the positive outcomes that resulted from those experiences.   

Students are invited to consider a challenge they have encountered this year and identify what actions they took to overcome it. They are also encouraged to reflect on three positive outcomes that emerged from navigating the obstacle, such as lessons learned, new skills gained, or strengthened relationships. 

Crystal Villarreal, counselor at North Ridge Elementary, believes that resilience is an important skill for students to develop because it helps them navigate challenges and grow from them. 

“I often describe resilience as a child’s ability to bounce back when things don’t go the way they hoped. Whether it’s struggling with academics, relationships, or trying new things, resilient students learn that challenges are part of learning and growing. Developing resilience helps students understand that mistakes and setbacks are not failures—they are opportunities to learn,” said Villarreal. 

Villarreal emphasized that students develop resilience through support and practice. 

“Children learn resilience through support, practice, and encouragement. When a setback happens, adults can help by guiding students to reflect on what happened and what they can try differently next time,” said Villarreal. 

Resilience also supports long-term mental health and emotional well-being. 

“Resilient children develop a stronger sense of confidence and emotional regulation. When they learn early on that they can handle hard moments, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed when challenges arise. Over time, these skills support stronger mental health because students begin to trust that they have the tools to handle difficult situations.” 

Villarreal shared strategies to help students build resilience through daily habits, including: 

• Encouraging children to try again after mistakes 
• Teaching students to name and discuss their feelings 
• Supporting problem-solving rather than solving every problem for them 
• Promoting a growth mindset, such as saying, “I can’t do this yet, but I’m learning.” 

Parents and guardians play a key role in nurturing resilience at home. Villarreal encourages parents to be a listening ear when their child navigates challenges.  

“One of the most powerful things parents can do is listen and validate their child’s feelings while also encouraging problem-solving. After acknowledging feelings, parents can help their child think through possible solutions or next steps,” said Villarreal. “It’s also helpful to remind children of past situations they have overcome, which builds confidence that they can get through this challenge as well. Children learn resilience when they know they have safe, supportive adults who believe in them.” 

In the classroom, teachers and staff foster resilience by creating supportive learning environments where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes.  

“Teachers play a huge role because the classroom is a place where students experience challenges, effort, and growth every day. By creating a safe and supportive learning environment, teachers help students feel comfortable trying new things and making mistakes. Teachers can encourage perseverance and help students practice problem-solving skills in the classroom,” said Villarreal. 

Families can also strengthen resilience at home through conversations and shared activities. Villarreal recommends reading books with characters who overcome challenges, discussing mistakes as learning opportunities, and encouraging children to try new things. Goal setting and open communication between parents/guardians and children further support resilience. 

By embracing resilience both at school and at home, Frenship ISD believes students can develop the confidence, perseverance, and problem-solving skills needed to navigate challenges successfully. 

For more information on Frenship’s Mental Health Minute, click here.