Difficulties are a part of life. As children grow up, through observation, learning, and experience, they gradually acquire the ability to handle problems and find solutions.

While some children easily acquire the skills to negotiate their way through the rough and tumble of life, some need to be taught how to be assertive and stand up for themselves.

As parents, we strive to give the best of everything to our children. But along with fulfilling our children's needs and wants, we must also help them learn how to take care of themselves and find their way in this world. In other words, we must raise our children to be safety-savvy and worldly-wise.

Here are a few things you can do to help your child learn how to be resourceful and self-reliant.

1. Discuss how to handle life situations: You can't always be present when problems come knocking on your child's door. So, it's a good idea to discuss hypothetical scenarios and how they would respond to them. For example, you could ask them what they would do if they got lost in an unfamiliar part of town. Such problem-solving exercises would teach your child how to deal with any eventuality.
2. Teach life hacks: Life hacks are nothing but simple yet innovative strategies to do things more efficiently. For example, if your child breaks something made of glass, they could use a slice of bread to pick up the shards instead of using their fingers. A life hack can also be something as simple as knowing how to fold clothes quickly and neatly. Think of other simple tricks you use to make your day easier and teach them to your child.
3. Impart 'stranger safety' guidelines: Speak to your child about 'stranger danger'. Advise them to always be watchful and cautious while around strangers. Counsel your child to never hitch a ride with an unfamiliar adult. If your little one is home alone, tell them not to reveal that fact to anyone, either on the phone or in person. At the same time, also tell your child that if they are ever in trouble, they can seek help from certain strangers - for example, a mother with a child or someone in a police uniform.
4. Demonstrate negotiation skills: Resourceful individuals know how to negotiate. They display tact and intelligence to get what they want and yet, leave the other party feeling satisfied. Every day offers multiple opportunities for teaching and practicing negotiation skills with your child. For example, your child may have their own idea about which clothes to wear to the park, how long to study during holidays, or what to have for dinner during a weekend outing. Discuss your child's preferences and make joint decisions. This will help them learn to negotiate towards a win-win for both sides.
5. Encourage being assertive: It's best that children know when to be assertive and how to do so. They need parental guidance on how to stand up for themselves and let others know what they believe in. So, encourage your child to be assertive by teaching them how to speak up, voice their opinions, disagree respectfully, and say 'No' when they have to. You could role-play scenarios and help them practice various responses. Assertiveness helps your child resist negative peer influences. Also, respect your child's choices. For example, if you ask your child for a hug and they say 'No', accept their choice with grace, and don't enforce your wish on her.
6. Model people skills: Children pick up on adult behaviors consciously and unconsciously. Be mindful of how you relate to people - your spouse, the house-help, adults, children, neighbors, friends, and colleagues. Think of the values you would like your child to imbibe and live those values in your daily interactions with people. Respect, empathy, kindness, and gratitude are the most widely accepted values across continents and cultures. Nurturing these values in your home helps your child get along well with people, adapt to change, consider other people's points of view, and be helpful and considerate of others' needs as well as their own.
7. Build confidence: Parents are often tempted to shelter their children by ensuring a smooth experience every time. However, remember that doing so won't allow your child to learn autonomy and independence. A sheltered child lacks both confidence and competence. So, let your child explore solutions to problems, expect a few mistakes. Step in to support your child only when they ask for help or when you know that things are going out of control. Step back a little to give your child the freedom to try, to fail, and then to succeed in something they are interested in. Guide but do not interfere, support but do not overprotect your child.

A child raised to be world-wise is more likely to be successful in life. This is because they possess the ability and confidence to handle diverse situations. So, start young and impart these essential life skills, and see your child blossom and thrive.