They exhibit competence that children can emulate, and provide guidance and constructive feedback about the child s progress. In addition, they provide experiences that build competence and confidence. But changes in American families, such as more teen mothers, divorce, separation, and latchkey children, have made resilience-building more difficult. In some areas, the stabilizing influences of religious and social institutions have also declined. Unfortunately, educators have little impact outside the school on early childhood development.
Urban educators face still greater challenges.
Their schools are typically large and often serve poor and highly mobile families, making it difficult to reach out to families and communities. First, the educational practices shown to raise achievement can be employed to help students succeed not only in school, but also in learning the skills that make for success in life. Second, educators can work with others to enhance conditions in communities that foster psychological well-being. Only about one child in four born of alcoholic parents becomes an alcoholic. Researchers have identified several key competencies of resilient children.