Raising Optimistic Children: 10 Effective Techniques

In modern life, which is as demanding and hectic for children as it is for adults, raising optimistic children can be a real challenge. However, this challenge can yield wonderful results if you start at an early age.

The idea is to raise strong and brave children who are determined to be the best versions of themselves.  Achieving this does not have to be difficult, but it does require consistent practice.

Let’s start by defining optimism as the ability to enjoy challenges, see opportunities and believe in one’s own talents. These are essentially the qualities that set an optimist apart from everyone else.

Raising optimistic children requires that you teach them to see that “the glass is half full” by using the following strategies.

Raising optimistic children: Motivational techniques

Teach them about meditation and mindfulness

Teach your children simple meditation exercises, even if you do not have much experience of meditating yourself. For example, you can show them relaxing breathing techniques and introduce a five-minute session each day that you can devote to them. This will help reduce their stress and anxiety while enhancing their sense of self-control.

Encourage physical activity

Motivate your children to get regular exercise and develop an interest in sports. Exercise is the easiest way to release endorphins and to keep children’s energy levels up. Other benefits of sports include teamwork, discipline and the ability to set and achieve goals.

Teach them the value of gratitude

Teach your children to be grateful for the things they receive from others. Set aside five minutes of your family time to name two or three positive things that happened during the day. In this way, your children learn to appreciate the reasons why they are happy in their daily lives, which makes them more optimistic in the process.

Show them your unconditional love – very basic if you want optimistic children

The best way to let others know you love them is to spend time with them and to express your feelings. Make sure you take part in quality time with your children every day. Show your interest in their problems and concerns and help them find solutions.

5. Let them experience success

When someone experiences the joy of seeing the results of their achievements, they are motivated to do it all over again. Therefore, it is important to give your children age-related information and that you recognize and encourage their efforts.

6. Be a positive role model

Children follow the behaviors of people they admire. If you want your children to face life with optimism, show them that you handle conflicts in a constructive way. Teach them to find the homework that comes from each difficult situation.

7. Protect them from adult problems

Young children should not have to carry the worries of the adult world on their shoulders. Be sure to wait until your children are old enough and mature enough to talk about adult problems.

Raise optimistic children by providing space for fun and mischief

Too often we limit adult routines to work and household chores. So remember that happy family moments should occupy an equally important space. Family members who share fun experiences are closer to each other.

9. Teach them to use positive language

People tend to use negative expressions when it comes to themselves. Replace phrases like “math is very difficult” with “math requires a lot of practice”.

10. Show them how to put things in perspective – something that all optimistic children can

Of course, difficulties are a fact of life and it will not change. What can change is how we handle them.

Raising optimistic children means above all teaching them to look at things from different perspectives, avoid being victims and see themselves as winners.

Conclusion

Optimism is a life knowledge that makes your children happier and helps them grow into better people. In addition, the feeling of happiness and self-confidence can enable them to make positive changes in the world around them.

For these reasons, try to put these strategies into practice. You can even become an optimist yourself over time.