Eight awesome skills that come from a childhood marked by adversity
Living in precarious conditions is often associated only with shortcomings and limitations. However, various studies show that these difficult scenarios can actually be the breeding ground for developing extraordinary skills. What may seem like just an obstacle to many ends up being the root of their adult strength.
Resilience and adaptability
Resilience doesn’t just come out of nowhere; it is nurtured and developed through adversity. This drive allows individuals to learn how to rise after every setback, to regroup and move forward, a value that is carried into adult life and acts as a true driving force for self-improvement.
The ability to see problems from a different angle
The cognitive reframing, also known as “cognitive reframing,” is another common ability among those who grow up in challenging circumstances. It involves reinterpreting the negative to address it constructively. Far from giving up, these children transform problems into challenges and seek creative solutions even in the most adverse situations.
Empathy and critical thinking
The solidarity among peers, so prevalent in communities with limited resources, fosters empathy and critical thinking. The need to reflect on failures and turn them into learning experiences drives critical thinking, a powerful tool for analyzing reality and making more informed decisions.
Other invisible competencies that make a difference, such as those identified by the WHO and recent studies, reveal more skills developed in these conditions: autonomy from early ages, tolerance for stress and uncertainty, emotional control, and a remarkable ability to relate to others. Cooperation, leadership, and assertiveness become essential for survival and defending basic needs, shaping individuals who are resilient and resourceful.
Individuals born in adversity show that growing up in challenging circumstances can also mean growing in skills that will accompany and empower them throughout their lives.
