Stronger, Tougher, Smarter: Stories of Teen Resilience

Gr 6 Up—Learning to face life's challenges is hard. Change, health issues, lack of self-esteem—all of these things can eat away at an individual who hasn't built up personal resilience. This program shows young people talking about problems they have faced, or are facing, and the coping skills they have acquired to move forward. In short, resilience can be a learned skill. Without it, eating disorders, health issues, alcoholism, and stress may overwhelm a young person. This program urges viewers to make connections, seek help, recognize the inevitability of change, maintain a positive outlook, set goals, take care of themselves, and keep things in perspective. The advice is good, and the stories are touching and realistic. There is something here that will ring true for almost every viewer and, hopefully, provide the impetus for confident change, or the hope for a better future. This would be an excellent way to begin a discussion, while letting young people know that they are not alone in facing difficulties.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA