What happens when your child’s big effort meets a sudden mistake? A drawing goes wrong, a block tower falls, or a new skill feels harder than expected. For a little adventurer, these moments can bring big feelings.
Resilience isn’t about getting everything right or hiding disappointment. It’s about learning that a difficult moment doesn’t have to be the end of the adventure. With encouragement, a pause and a manageable next step, children can practise trying again.
“However long the night, the dawn will break.”
Meet Chui: a little leopard exploring resilience
In Chui’s Next Climb, Chui the leopard cub introduces children to the theme of resilience. This African safari story offers a gentle starting point for conversations about perseverance, frustration and the courage to take another small step.
After sharing the story, ask your child: “How do you feel when something is difficult?” and “What could help you try again?” Leave room for their answers. Sometimes being heard is the first step towards feeling ready.
Four gentle ways to practise resilience together
- Pause before trying again. Take a quiet moment together. A short break can make the next attempt feel less overwhelming.
- Name the feeling. Try saying, “That felt frustrating. You worked hard and it didn’t go the way you hoped.” Acknowledge the disappointment before offering a solution.
- Choose one small next step. Instead of asking a child to complete the whole task, help them find a manageable starting point: one block, one line or one more careful attempt.
- Notice effort and helpful choices. Celebrate asking for help, changing an approach or returning after a break, not just a perfect result.
These conversations can fit into everyday moments at home or school. The aim is not to rush children past their feelings, but to help them discover that support and another approach are available.
Download Chui’s free resilience workbook
Continue the adventure with Chui — Free Resilience Workbook, the printable companion to Chui’s Next Climb. Enjoy it together after storytime and use it as a starting point for your own conversations about trying again.
Enter your email on Chui’s signup page to receive the free workbook.
Get Chui’s Free Resilience Workbook
Keep exploring with The Village
Discover more free companion workbooks exploring patience, teamwork, gratitude, respect and self-control. Choose the theme that feels most helpful for your little adventurer today.
Explore All Free Village Workbooks
A small next step still counts. With kindness and encouragement, trying again can become part of the adventure.