A positive outlook on life can transform challenging situations into undeniable and encouraging triumphs. Although life can be overwhelming at times, if you find a way to put a positive slant on day-to-day situations and activities, you often find things more bearable. The same principles apply to your kids, too. Look for ways to instill a positive attitude in your offspring and they’ll thank you for it someday.
Show your children how to look for the good in everything, counsels Dr. Michele Borba, author and parenting expert. Even hard situations probably have some sort of positive message or lesson hidden inside somewhere. Show your children how to find these nuggets and focus on them. For example, just because it's raining doesn't mean the day is ruined -- have a picnic indoors instead. Another example: Misplacing a toy may lead to reorganizing the toy closet and finding lots of forgotten treasures.
Help your children develop their gifts and strengths – everyone has them. Perhaps your child is artistic or has a gift for music. Maybe your child enjoys animals or loves to construct. Some people have strong people skills and other people are more introverted. As you discover the intrinsic and amazing traits about your children, support them as they develop them. This might include setting goals, taking classes or celebrating efforts.
Teach your children that it’s hard work and effort that counts more than the final outcome or the result. If a person puts as much effort as possible into a goal or project, this is the success – it doesn’t matter what the precise result looks like. Hand in hand with this principle, make sure your children know that failure is permissible, counsels Education.com. No one ever learns or grows without making mistakes.
Express feelings when they come up – both positive and negative. Show your children how to talk about negative feelings such as anger, fear and sadness. Give them words to describe these feelings and then make time to listen when children need to talk. Guide children through the process of expressing feelings respectfully, working toward resolution and then moving forward positively. Wallowing in old feelings will not provide a positive attitude in the present.
Provide positive feedback and praise when you see behaviors and actions that you desire. Praise the action, not the person, for the most effective results, suggests the University of Alabama Parenting Assistance Line. You might say, "I love how you helped your brother find his book" or "I can see how hard you worked on this art project!"
- Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images