It's one thing to say that you want your children to experience challenges, but it's quite another to sit tight while they struggle through difficult times.

In fact, "taking on challenges" is one of the seven life skills that child development expert Ellen Galinsky touts in Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs. In her chapter on this topic, Galinsky talks about how though our natural instinct may be to shield kids from struggle, we're better off teaching them coping strategies. No kid can make it through life stress-free and, as kids get older, Ellen advises that they should become increasingly involved in solving their own problems.

Here are three techniques that you can apply to help your own kids cope with change:

• Put on a brave face -- Kids take their cues from parents, so as hard as it is for you to watch them struggle, stay calm and remind them that you believe everything will be fine.
• Relate -- Tell your kids about times when you faced the challenge of change, and how you worked your way to a solution. They'll feel better knowing that you faced a similar situation and came through with flying colors.
• Offer extra love during difficult times -- Whether it's a small present, a note of encouragement, or an afternoon doing something fun together, remind your kids that you love them unconditionally and will always have their backs.