AD | Collaborative post
Optimism is a positive way of thinking. A positive mind-set helps children to feel happy and confident, and it can also motivate them to keep trying when things get hard. It is important to teach children how to be optimistic, so that they will be much better equipped for dealing with life’s challenges.
Here are some great tips from an independent school in London on how to help your child develop an optimistic attitude…
Be a good role model
Children learn from their parents, so it is important that you role model an optimistic attitude for your child to follow. Try to encourage positivity, resilience and gratefulness in your daily life, in order for your child to build a ‘can-do’ attitude.
Don’t complain
In the busy life of parenting it is hard not to focus on the negatives and get frustrated in front of our children. However, the more you complain, the more likely it is that your children will learn to do have the same attitude. Instead, try talking about the good parts of your day, and praising your children for doing things right instead of getting things wrong.
Encourage resilience
Encourage a ‘growth mind set’ by teaching your child what it means to be resilient. This is a method of positive thinking that will help your child to face challenges and setbacks. Children with a growth mind set believe that their abilities will improve over time. This inspires them to keep trying and to use mistakes as learning opportunities.
Give more responsibility
To help your child develop an optimistic attitude, you will need to give them more responsibility. Allow your child to prove their abilities by entrusting them to things alone. This will also help to make them feel more confident. Ask your child to help with some simple jobs around the house, such as tidying up, or feeding a pet to increase their feelings of competency.
Practice gratitude
Practise daily gratitude with your child, by helping them to look for all the positives in their life. Gratitude is such an effective technique for improving mental health and maintaining an optimistic attitude. A simple way to practise gratitude is by thinking of everything you are thankful for each morning.
Give your support
Spend time talking to your child about their hopes and dreams, and always encourage their passions. Discuss what steps they will need to take in order to reach their goals and reassure your child that you will be there supporting them, every step of the way!