This is a collaborative post
When you compare an optimist to a pessimist, you find that optimists are less likely to become depressed and tend to do better in school and work. They are also a lot more resilient. Optimism as a whole is the source of happiness, success and good health.
As a parent, it is important to practice optimism at home and guide your child in the right direction, so that they too can achieve this. Below is a guide on how to raise an optimistic child, as advised by this Nursery school in London.
Focus on the good
One of the easiest ways to trap someone into becoming pessimistic is to teach them that everything is dull, and the glass is half empty. If you have noticed that your child thinks like this, don’t worry.
Fortunately, this mindset is completely reversible through the act of hunting for the good stuff. When you’re out and about together, point out things that you notice and make them smile.
Wave back at a friend, drive past their favourite house on the block, and take the scenic route home! Even on the dullest of days will there be a small ray of sunshine peeking through. Show your child how to find that light themselves.
Confront negativity
One thing children don’t understand is how powerful self-talk is. Saying something out loud can easily make them believe it, even if it is far from the truth. Remind your child that just because they’re telling themselves something, doesn’t mean it is true.
An activity that you can practice with your child is teaching them to externalise the voice that is promoting negativity. Tell them to dispute it the same way they would with anyone else.
Model optimism
Seeing you be kind to yourself and view the world as bright and full of opportunity, will teach your child to do the same. Be kind to yourself. You have no idea how much this will help your child in the long run.
