This is a collaborative post
Having a sunny, positive outlook makes children better equipped for dealing with life’s challenges. It also makes them happier and healthier too, as an optimistic way of thinking can have long term effects on physical and mental wellbeing. To help your child reap all the benefits that a positive mental attitude can offer, take a look at the following advice from a leading independent school in Hertfordshire.
Find Your Inner Optimist
You’ll have a tough time raising little optimists if your own mindset is generally negative. Let this be your prompt to shake up your own way of thinking and inject a little more positivity into your life. Remember, you’re setting an example for your children and the more they see you display a certain type of behaviour the more likely they are to follow suit. Vocalise your optimism and search out opportunities to be grateful in day to day life.
Put Gratitude into Practice
Actively seeking out and acknowledging the things we have to be grateful for helps to reset our way of thinking. It realigns our focus onto the positive aspects of our life, when formally we may have been caught up sweating over the small stuff. Encourage your child to start a gratitude journal as part of their bedtime ritual and it will soon become habitual. Journaling encourages children to reflect on their day and manage any feelings which come up. Gratitude journals especially, help to reframe the events of our day so that our focus remains on the positive.
Teach Problem Solving Skills
An optimist has the ability to remain hopeful even when faced with a challenge or setback. Where a pessimist may be quick to throw in the towel at the first sign of struggle, the optimist will keep their eye out for an opportunity to learn and grow. Teaching your child strategies to work through their problems will give them confidence and hope when faced with adversity. Get your child in the habit of creating lists of potential solutions when faced with a challenge, then discuss the pros and cons of each option. Over time, this will help them develop critical thinking skills, which will help them stay calm and rational when dealing with the ups and downs life can sometimes throw our way.