Why is positivity important to children? The answer is in this article
When we talk about positivity, we aren’t just discussing fleeting moments of happiness or the occasional flash of a bright side. Nope, it’s much more than that.
Positivity is about fostering an outlook on life that doesn’t shy away from the ups and downs but faces them head-on with a spirit of resilience and optimism. It’s this kind of perspective that paves the way for a sense of wellbeing and creativity. That sounds pretty great, doesn’t it?
But let’s get a little more specific. Why is positivity so crucial during the school-age years? Well, it’s a time of transformation – challenges, changes, and a ton of new experiences. Having positivity as children’s trusted ally can be a total game-changer. It helps our kiddos brave the storms, embrace their unique selves, and even forge deeper bonds with their buddies. The gist is, positivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a tool we should be handing over to our kids.
To truly understand the significance of positivity, let’s delve a little deeper. Life isn’t a straight line; it’s more like a winding path dotted with unexpected turns. And while we wish we could protect our kids from life’s challenges, we simply can’t. But what we can do is equip them with the right mindset to handle these challenges – that’s where positivity steps in.
Don’t get me wrong though, having a positive outlook doesn’t mean your child will never feel sad, disappointed, or anxious. Instead, it means they’ll learn how to bounce back from these feelings, growing stronger and more resilient with each hurdle. It’s a mental and emotional shield that’ll protect them throughout their lives.
And positivity isn’t just for the tough times; it amplifies the good times too! It encourages children to celebrate their accomplishments, appreciate their blessings, and revel in moments of joy. And these, dear parents, are the memories that will stick with them, fostering a sense of self-worth and optimism that continues to thrive as they grow.
How do you teach children the power of positivity?
So, how do we get our kids to befriend positivity? The magic trick here is to combine learning with fun. If you’re looking for the activities to promote positivity in children, look no further.
Here are some of the engaging activities I’ve found can really foster positive thinking and a positive attitude in kids.
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Activity 1: “I Am Awesome!”
Kick things off with an easy yet powerful exercise: “I Am Awesome!” Every day, ask your kids to list five things they admire about themselves. This simple task fosters self-love and plants the seeds of positive self-talk, an essential part of their emotional toolkit.
Activity 2: Let’s Play Charades – The Positive Spin
Ready for some laughter? Then, let’s play Charades, but with a positive spin. Write down positive emotions or scenarios on slips of paper. Each child takes turns acting out their slip while the others guess. It’s a fun way to help kids understand and express positive feelings.
Activity 3: Finding the Silver Linings
Positivity isn’t about ignoring the tough stuff; it’s about finding the good within it. So, initiate a ‘Silver Linings’ chat where you discuss a tricky situation and together, discover the good that came out of it. It’s a way to show kids that even tough times carry lessons and growth.
Activity 4: The Gratitude Journal
I love this one even for myself! Instill a sense of gratitude in your kids with the Gratitude Journal activity. Ask them to write down three things they’re grateful for each day. It could be as simple as their favorite breakfast or as big as family love. This habit of recognising their blessings can be a powerful mood-booster. Believe me, it really helps to program the mind to look for the positives.
Activity 5: Positive Affirmations Posters
Let’s get crafty with the Positive Affirmations Posters activity. Provide some art supplies and ask your kids to create posters with their favorite positive affirmations. Displaying these around their living space can serve as a daily dose of positivity.
Activity 6: Kindness Challenge
Last but not least, challenge your kids to perform acts of kindness regularly. You can plan some nice things you can do together, for example, sharing some home made cookies to the neighbours or helping them water their garden. This activity fosters empathy, compassion, and illustrates how positivity can influence others too.
The art of teaching positivity: Tips and tricks
Teaching positivity is a unique art, and you’re the artist. It might seem daunting at first, but remember, small, consistent steps can lead to big transformations. Here are some small but handy tips for guiding your child on this positivity journey.
Practice what you preach: Kids are like sponges; they absorb everything around them, especially behaviours. Show them how you embrace positivity in your life – how you deal with setbacks, appreciate little joys, and maintain an optimistic outlook.
Open communication: Regularly discuss emotions with your kids. Let them know it’s okay to feel down sometimes and show them how to find a silver lining.
Celebrate effort: Praise your child not just for their achievements, but also for their efforts and improvements. It’s a great way to promote a positive, growth-oriented mindset.
Cultivate an optimistic environment: Surround your child with positivity. This includes positive people, engaging in uplifting activities, and creating a joyful, peaceful living space.
Now, imagine your beautiful little child, years from now, all grown up. Imagine them facing life’s twists and turns with a resilient smile, appreciating the small blessings, and spreading joy to those around them. Feels heart-warming, doesn’t it? That’s the power of the gift we’re talking about – the gift of positivity.
Nurturing positivity in our children isn’t simply another thing to get done. It’s a gift that doesn’t lose its shine with time, serving as their trusty sidekick in life’s many chapters. It’s like a secret force field, ready to shield them through their life’s up and downs.
Because, at the end of the day, giving them the gift of a happy and fulfilling life…well, isn’t that the best gift we could ever present them?
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Bella Heim Follow +
Bella is a mummy of three, writer, and photographer. She's not afraid to admit that she relies on a little red wine to keep the chaos of motherhood at bay. When she's not dodging toys and dirty diapers, you'll find her documenting the wild and wonderful ride of parenthood, and adding a splash of inspiration, creativity, and a healthy dose of mum humour along the way.
