To Make Life Happier and Meaningful – Be Optimistic!

In today’s world, it is easy to feel intimidated or overwhelmed. Even in frightening circumstances, we can continue to live by our values and give our kids a caring environment. A sense of optimism – the conviction that things will turn out for the better, and that what we do will make a difference – is required to accomplish that. 

Today, the world needs optimists more than ever, because we humans have a variety of problems that need to be solved. Optimism is a cornerstone of resilience.

According to research, people who are optimistic and think they can succeed are more likely to do so. They are less likely to get depressed, suffer fewer illnesses, have longer relationships, and live longer. 

What can you do to help your child become more optimistic? 

We know that many depressions as well as a tendency to be optimistic have a biological basis, and in certain cases, optimism may run in families.

The capacity to perceive the silver lining in every cloud is not something that everyone is born with. However, every parent should endeavour to teach their child how to be optimistic. 

Here are some tips:

Take note of how your child approaches situations:

Is it a half-full or half-empty glass? Do you think your child sees adversity as a representation for their entire life that the misfortune is all-encompassing, permanent, and targeted at them? (“Why does this happen to me so often?”) 

If you notice pessimistic traits in your child, you can assist him or her in developing positivity.

Model Optimism:

Experiment with learning to be more optimistic yourself if you want to help your child become more hopeful.

Look on the bright side: 

Everyone goes through ups and downs. When your children are having a rough day, show them how to cheer themselves up by focusing on the positive results of the bad experiences.

Instil patience: 

Patience is one of the most crucial characteristics of an optimistic person. Teach your child to be patient, even in the face of adversity, from an early age.

Give your child the freedom to fight their own battle: 

Most parents are protective of their children. As a result, parents limit their children’s participation in a variety of activities that they believe are potentially dangerous. Parents should not raise their children in a protective bubble as this can be harmful to their development in the long run. Allowing children to take on responsibilities improves their learning of the ways of the world, shows them that they have influence over their environment, and boosts their self-esteem. As a result, they adopt a positive attitude.

Develop a balanced outlook on life: 

Both success and failure are inevitable in life. Children are happy when they succeed in everything they set out to do, but they are equally disappointed when they fail in their efforts. Allow your child to undertake things on their own to help them learn to deal with both success and failure in a balanced manner. Attempting, failing, and attempting again will teach them that failure is not a barrier to accomplishment and that they should not be discouraged by failure.

Keeping hope alive:

Hope is as essential to our survival as the air we breathe. As a result, teach your child to be optimistic about the future and to maintain a positive attitude in stressful situations.

Notice what your child says: 

Everyone wants to be heard. It improves their self-esteem and helps them feel valued. Talking about one’s thoughts also helps to let go of negativity and replace it with hope. Make time for your child and listen attentively to what they have to say. Taking the time to listen to your child can help them open up and express what’s on their mind. 

Find strategies together:

Find ways to work through difficult situations with your child via problem-solving together. Ask them to compile a list of the situation’s benefits and drawbacks. Ask children to identify what can be learnt from the situation.

These are just a few strategies you can use to encourage your kids to have greater optimism.

In many ways, giving children a positive outlook to combat all of the negativity in the world is the best gift you can offer them.