Can I Help My Child Become More Optimistic?

When your child is struggling with a negative mindset, it can affect all aspects of learning and family life. That’s why a question that often comes up is “Can I help my child become more optimistic?” The answer is most certainly, “Yes.” This episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is all about how you can make a difference and help your child develop skills to become more optimistic. 

  

 

Obviously, none of us want our child to feel negative and pessimistic about their circumstances. Beyond the desire to help them feel better, there are also tangible benefits to helping our children cultivate a more optimistic outlook in life. 

 

 

The Benefits Of Optimism Vs. Pessimism in Kids

Take a look at the difference between the two in terms of our children’s overall development.

Optimistic Children

Kids who practice optimistic thinking tend to be more resilient, stronger, more confident, less likely to give up in the face of challenges and they often interpret their experiences in a way that makes them feel like they have some control over their circumstances. 

Pessimistic Children

Pessimism leaves our kids feeling like life is “done to them,” and that they have no control over their circumstances. They tend to feel helpless and can withdraw.

It’s easy to see that the benefits of optimism are significant, but can we really do anything about it?

 

 

Is It Possible To Help My Child Be More Optimistic?

Although it can be about temperament, most often, optimism and pessimism tend to be habits of mind. So we can work with our kids and within our family culture to cultivate a more optimistic way of thinking. 

The first way to help is to role model the expectation as much as possible in your own life. If your child sees you looking on the bright side when things go wrong, overtime, this will add to their own ability to do the same. 

Another strategy is to intentionally look for and point out the good things that are happening even when things are tough. Foer example, when it rains and an outdoor event is cancelled,  you might say, :Well, I am disappointed we are missing the event, but I am excited too, because I think this means we can make cookies and have hot chocolate at home instead.”

 

 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast Episode 134: Can I Help My Child Become More Optimistic?

In this episode, Colleen shares the reasons why optimism can be such a valuable habit of mind for our children. She also details practical tips for helping your child become more optimistic. 

  

Links and Resources from Today’s Show:

• SPONSOR: CTC Math
• Trevor’s Last Episode On The Podcast: Self-Directed Homeschooling High School with Trevor Kessler
• The Learner’s Lab, a Raising Lifelong Learners community created just for your quirky family!
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom’s Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family by Colleen D. Kessler
• Knowing Your Gifted Child
• Supporting The Social and Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Twice-Exceptional Kids
• RLL #88: Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids with Jim Delisle
• The Best Advice I Can Give You: Become A Student Of Your Child

 

  

 

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