There is so much to be concerned about when raising children.
Will they be healthy, happy and well-adjusted?
How much do the things done by parents affect them?
What is nature and what is nurture?
Is it possible to keep things positive and raise positive children today?
Even if you feel like you’ve made some mistakes as a parent, don’t despair. There are definitely things you can do to raise positive children. Children are very resilient and learn quickly.
Here are a few tips you can follow to raise children that are optimistic and creative.
Model positive reactions
The adage goes, “more things are caught than taught.” In other words, if you become angry and begin yelling when you’re stressed, children will mirror what you do. Conversely, if your children see you react positively no matter what the circumstances, they will believe this is the correct way to act in response to stressors and situations in life. This is precisely what I did to change the environment in our home. I was the barometer, so however I reacted reflected on everyone.
Use good, positive and uplifting words
When speaking to anyone in your home, watch the words that come out. Are your words productive or poison? No one likes to be fussed at and made to feel bad about what someone says to or about them. Be sure to use positive words and your children will likely follow suit.
Keep a positive mindset
So, are you a glass half full or a glass half empty type of person? People with a half-full mindset will try to see the good in every person and situation. On the other hand, those who see the glass half empty will be more negative. If you do your best to try to find the silver lining in the rain clouds of life, your children may do the same. I have to work hard at this – motherhood can often feel challenging and like everyone is out to get you – Thank God for His GRACE and MERCY!
Accentuate the positive
Try to think of things you can do to draw attention to the positive no matter what has happened. No, you don’t have to be like Sappy Susie who acts like nothing ever goes wrong, but it can greatly influence your children if you acknowledge the negative but focus on the positive.
Nurture your child’s self-esteem
You don’t want to offer praise that is undeserved, but when they do something that is worthy of praise, be sure they know it. Helping your child take pride in themselves is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Be careful not to use demeaning words when providing instruction. Children may not know what it means to be condescending, but they can recognize it when they hear it.
Catch your child being compassionate or courteous
This is similar to nurturing their self-esteem. When you see the children playing nicely together, let them know how much you appreciate it. Praise them for taking their responsibilities seriously when they do their chores without being reminded.
Encourage your child’s dreams
If your daughter dreams of being a ballerina and she’s a little bit heavy, don’t discourage her. Take her to the ballet and talk about how healthy ballerinas have to be. This may give her the confidence she needs to learn to take better care of herself. If your son wants to play baseball, let Dad take him to the ballpark and play ball with him in the backyard.
Laugh at yourself
Sometimes, even when things seem their worst, it helps to look at things and laugh. Obviously every situation won’t warrant laughter, but it may help to release stress and put things into perspective.
Every parent wants their children to be helpful, positive and compassionate. Following some of these tips will help you raise positive children by keeping it positive.
What have you found to be helpful in your home?
