How to Raise a Positive Child

If you really want to give your children a gift that will follow them their whole lives, raise a positive child. That is not always easy and life can be complicated. But a positive outlook can be life changing, no matter what the future brings!

Positive thoughts lead to positive energy and your energy highly influences the environment around you – including the other people you attract into your life. A positive child truly looks a life differently and sees the glass half full versus half empty which will work wonders for their outlook on life.

 

Thoughts on raising a positive child

Start the day by smiling at your children and ask them often what made them smile during their day. I absolutely believe smiling is contagious and creates a sense of happiness. When your kids answer your questions about their day, make a conscious effort to smile at their response and show approval.

Greet kids with positive affirmations.  Hello handsome. Good morning sweet girl. As simple as it sounds special greetings encourage the positive energy that keeps our family connected and happy. It is also a small way to offer approval and affection in a bustling family life.

Give them genuine praise. When your kids do something noteworthy, no matter how big or small, acknowledge it. Don’t overdo it. And don’t make it up. Look for real opportunities to discuss their success and build up their confidence.

Love them unconditionally when they fail. As a parent, we want to protect our kids from failure. But failure is part of life and learning. Let your kids know you love them, you respect them and that your affection and positive outlook is not diminished by any failure.

Encourage your child to keep a journal. Journaling can begin at any age. Encourage them to journal about their experiences. But allow them to choose their own expression. Do they want to draw about their day? Perfect. Write stories? Awesome. Use a journal as a diary? Excellent. Even introduce your kids to the idea of bullet journaling as a way to set their own goals.

Eat dinner together. This one is hard sometimes, I get it. But making time to be together every day gives your kids an opportunity to connect with the family unit. That bond will be so important to them as they grow.

Be available to talk. When your kids want to talk. As often as possible, put down your phone, walk away from the dishes, sit down and talk to them. Laugh with them. Tell them all the ways they are special and unique.

 

Model Positive Behavior to Raise a Positive Child

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to raise a positive child is to model a positive outlook yourself. That starts with self-care and self-respect. Children who see their parents value themselves will learn from that behavior.

Do you treat yourself as a person with value? Do you offer yourself grace when you fail? Do you find ways to connect with your family? Do you look for ways to laugh and smile even on the days that are hard?

If you want your kids to be positive and have those traits, model them in your own life first!