Have you ever wondered how do you raise an optimistic child? Optimism is an important trait that helps us find opportunities in life and overcome challenges. It’s even been proven to improve the immune system and prevent chronic illness, while stress has the opposite outcome. Parents should try their best to find ways to help their children become more optimistic. Here are some tips from an international school in London.
disclosure: this is a partnered post
Teach Them What’s Important in Life
Try and help your child understand that while success, money and power are great, happiness can be found even in the littlest of things. Each evening after school, encourage your child to talk about some of their positive experiences from the day, even if it’s something simple like a delicious sandwich at lunch time.
Ask them what they are grateful for and if there’s anything they’re excited about that might be happening in the coming days. The trick is try positive parenting tactics and to encourage them to see things in a positive light, rather than dwelling on the negative things.
Lead By Example
Lead by example by talking about your own positive experiences. Try and shield your child from your own stress so that they don’t grow up feeling like adulthood is horrible. Even if you have a presentation at work that you’re anxious about, tell your child:
I’m sure the presentation will go well but even if it doesn’t, at least I have tried my best and prepared as much as possible.
Show Them Failure is Okay Sometimes
Help your child understand that failure is inevitable sometimes and it shouldn’t hold us back. For instance, if they are disappointed in a bad grade at school, remind them that we all have bad days sometimes. Tell them that you are proud of them for trying their best, even if the outcome wasn’t what they wanted. Help them understand that there is always room for growth and improvement, as we are able to learn from our mistakes.
Encourage Your Child To Enjoy Alone Time
Encourage your child to find their own fun, as well as socialising with others. A confident child who doesn’t have to rely on others to find enjoyment and happiness will grow up with that strength and resilience as they become adults. This will take some time, but teach them how to figure out what makes them happy and keeps them entertained.
We hope these tips have helped answer your question about how do you raise an optimistic child. Optimism is an important trait to carry in life. With an optimistic outlook on life and the right motivation, you never know what things one can achieve.
