Written by Vikki Carrel, CALT
Lemons or Lemonade?
For many, a better future seems to be an illusion because today’s world is full of worry and uncertainty. A few essential questions to ponder are:
- Am I full of optimism?
- Do I see the glass as half-full?
- Do I have the ability to make lemonade from lemons?
In other words, do you choose to live on the bright side of life. For many, it is easy to be pessimistic because change can seem complicated. Begin by recognizing that optimism is a mental attitude and that an optimist expects the best possible outcome from any given situation. Optimism prompts feelings of hope, and it provides many lifestyle advantages. Staying positive can improve physical and mental health, increase productivity, and decrease stress.
People worldwide believe that the future will be better than the past. Children look to a positive future as they play the childhood game “when-I-grow-up-I-want-to-be…” Optimism has advantages because positive thinkers don’t give up easily and are more likely to achieve their goals. Optimists tend to view setbacks differently than pessimists. They also have less stress, live healthier lifestyles, believe in themselves, and expect good things to happen. Because of this mindset, they are willing to take risks and create positive life events. We must teach our children to view the glass as half full, not as half empty.
There are benefits to staying positive, especially for children and teens. Research claims that optimistic people live longer than pessimists. The University of Pittsburgh conducted a study on almost 100,000 women. The study revealed that in 8 years, optimistic people had a lower chance of dying from virtually all causes than their pessimistic counterparts.
Here are seven ways to help children embrace optimism:
- Hug your child. A parent’s affection can help a child have a positive outlook on life. Researchers who directed the Penn Resiliency Project at the University of Pennsylvania claim that a child whose parents are affectionate, and caring are more hopeful.[1] In the end, affection is vital for kids as they develop trust in their relationships and the world.
- Foster optimism. This allows kids and teens to feel comfortable taking risks. It also prompts them to develop a personal sense of confidence when faced with unfamiliar situations.
- Teach by example. Kids will feel hopeful about adversity when they watch their parents face challenges with positivity and optimism.
- Allow a child or teen to face setbacks and failure. Too often, parents want to protect their children from failure. However, when kids make mistakes, they learn how to overcome challenges and navigate difficulties that may lie ahead. It is critical to note that repeated failures lead to learned hopelessness, not optimism. It may be necessary to intervene if a child’s challenges become too overwhelming. This may lead to depression, anxiety, or other types of insecurities.
- Encourage a positive internal dialogue. Teach a child to use phrases like, “I can do this, I am capable, I will do my best” or “Even if I make a mistake, I will keep trying.”
- Teach techniques to seek life balance. Life is hectic and full of ups and downs. Therefore, it is essential to teach a child to balance their schedule and that it is healthy to stray from toxic individuals and environments.
- Instill the importance of self-care. Help your child understand the importance of exercise, eating healthfully, getting the proper sleep, avoiding harmful substances, and connecting with nature. Self-care is a vital part of feeling confident, and it supports overall well-being.
Optimism can positively affect a child’s mental and physical health. However, it’s critical to recognize that it isn’t the events in an individual’s life that determine their emotional prowess; it is how they respond to a given situation. In the end, an optimistic child will cope better with adverse problems and setbacks than one who views their life as unfavorable.
Are you ready to teach your child to turn lemons into lemonade and live on life’s bright side?
[1] The Benefits of Optimism | Greater Good (berkeley.edu)
Vikki Carrel is a certified academic language therapist and a multi-book author. Her books Puzzle Pieces and Building Blocks are available on Amazon at this link.
You can reach Vikki Carrel directly at vikkicarrel@gmail.com
