Soft Skills at Sea: Building emotional resilience

A publication by The Swedish Club, in collaboration with Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS), offers practical guidance to help seafarers and their families stay connected during periods of separation. The guide highlights the importance of building emotional resilience in children.

Emotional resilience helps children cope with challenges such as separation, stress, anxiety, and loneliness. By understanding and applying practical strategies, parents can support their children in feeling secure, valued, and emotionally balanced—even during extended time apart.

Keep in mind that..

Crying is healthy and healing. When your child cries, respond with compassion: "It’s okay to feel sad. I’m here with you. Cry as much as you need."

A calm, reassuring presence gives children the space to experience and process their emotions fully.

6 Ways to strengthen children’s emotional security:

#1 Create connection activities

Writing letters, journaling, drawing

#2 Establish weekly family traditions

Sunday pancake breakfasts, movie nights, special dinners

#3 Work on projects together

Memory boxes, family calendars, scrapbooks

#4 Practice relaxation and mindfulness

Soothing music, quiet reading, storytelling

#5 Build communication rituals

Storytime, voice recordings, goodnight messages, scheduled video calls

#6 Encourage physical and play activities

Outdoor play, guided breathing, sports

Don’t forget to:

Keep your child’s teachers informed; they can spot behavioral changes, offer support, and suggest coping strategies.

Source: wwww.safety4sea.com