Studies at Penn State University by Martin Seligman find that boosting optimism may increase the likelihood of your son or daughter’s long-term happiness and school success, as well as emotional and physical health.The research also shows that children with optimistic outlooks are less likely to be depressed and as well as suffer from anxiety disorders, and more likely to be able to bounce back with that resilient spirit when the going gets tough. Optimistic thinking could curb kid depression as well as less heavy drug abuse and bad behavior. What’s more a growing numbers of studies confirmed powerful benefits for nurturing positive attitudes in our kids. REALITY CHECK: Research shows that a large part of an optimistic attitude is learned along the way, and that parents can help their kids become more optimistic, so take heart. Proven Scientific Benefits of Boosting Optimism Let’s show our children the upside of the world and teach proven strategies to reduce pessimism, and scientific research reveals why we must. Kids leaving inspiring messages with sidewalk chalk for others. Teachers giving every ounce of themselves to try to reach children. First responders jeopardizing their own lives. But there is also goodness: People uniting to march together for justice. In all fairness, the news our kids are seeing lately is flooded with “doom and gloom” stories: the pandemic, graphs showing daily death tolls, shootings, riots and the horrific live feed of George Floyd’s death. That means parenting can be influential in curbing negativity and cynicism and boosting positivity and optimism. One of the hardest parts of being a parent is when your child isn’t happy. But there is one point you must keep in mind: Kids are not born pessimistic. It’s heartbreaking to hear children talk about the bad, pessimistic parts of life. A child today is ten times more likely to be seriously depressed compared to a child born in the first third of this century. Uncertainty only increases pessimistic attitudes.įirst, do know I empathize. And beware: a pessimistic trend amongst today’s youth is increasing. They dwell instead on the negative, bad parts of life, and often find only the inadequacies in themselves. Sadly, they rarely see the good, wonderful things of life. They give up easily, believe anything they do won’t make a difference, and assume they won’t succeed. Kids with pessimistic attitudes are among the most frustrating breeds. “Why should I wear a mask? I’m just going to get that virus thing.” Parenting tips to help kids be more optimistic especially in uncertain, anxious times.
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