This chapters explore the factors generally associated with resilience in children and adolescents. It examines the work of Emmy Werner, who interviewed many children exposed to war during childhood and describes how they overcame very adverse childhood circumstances. The Kauai Longitudinal study followed several hundred children from before birth to age 40. A number of factors were associated with “better than expected” outcomes at different ages and these children were considered as “resilient”. This is not just a unique quality of a child, but something that depends also on the interpersonal environment, “windows of opportunity “ and the availability of protective figures, this can lead to “positive turning points” in the lives of children born at risk. Intelligence, cognitive flexibility, a social orientation, sense of humor and vivacity were some of the factors more favorable in early childhood. Also, less separations from the mother, an easy temperament and the capacity to rely on adults who offer help were highly protective in the long term outcome.