I'm cold!" "My feet hurt!" "I don't like it!"

Most parents have, with a sinking heart, heard these phrases uttered by their kids during their first few family ski holidays. But fear not. Here are 10 research-based tips for resilience on the slopes that may put an end to the whinging once and for all.

1. Talk up tumbles

First ski trip? Let your child know that they will fall over – a lot. Get them in the mind-set that falling and making mistakes is normal and expected not shameful or embarrassing (and snow can be softer than the school playground).

2. Let them set the pace

Try not to compare your child to siblings or friends. Let them progress at their own pace and resist the urge to correct every mistake. “We rush over to our little ones and tell them they’ve done something wrong. And what’s the lesson we’re teaching?” asks Angela Duckworth, in her book Grit (Vermilion, £20). “Embarrassment. Fear. Shame.” The solution? Show them you can laugh at yourself when you mess up too.

3. 'Fess up to face plants

Help your child to see that everyone experiences setbacks. Talk about your own ski or snowboard disasters and ask the instructor, the chalet host, even lift buddies to share their stories too. Just because kids couldn’t do it today, it doesn’t mean they won’t be able to tomorrow.