ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the complexity involved in defining the term resilience and identifying the need to consider and celebrate moments of resilience, whether they are in relation to minor or major adverse experiences for children. It considers theory around whether children are born with inbuilt traits that support them being resilient and the influences of family and community on children’s resilience. The chapter provides examples of childhood resilience in both minor and major circumstances of adversity. It evidences that resilience is a complex, multi-faceted concept. It is therefore important that we clearly state how we have defined resilience. The main difficulty with any definition of resilience is trying to generalise the characteristics and qualities of resilience for all children. The chapter reviews the literature and research which examines the complex ways children can be resilient and the range of significant adversity they experience.
