“You are what you think.” This saying has become extremely important to me since becoming a parent as I have realized the huge impact I have on shaping my children’s perspectives on their own selves, and life in general.
The words I say to them, the confidence I help them develop, and the opportunities I offer to practice resilience can make a big difference to their long-term development. Helping my children develop a positive attitude will contribute greatly to their emotional well-being.
Most importantly, they will learn through the behavior I model. If I can look at any given situation with hope and respect, they will likely take on the same attitude and therefore be able to work through their challenges with forbearance and grace.
In what other ways can we teach our kids to think positively? One simple way to start is discussing the topic of positive thinking through fun activities. Kids love to learn through games and crafts, so it is natural that they will gain insights through discovering positive attitude through play.
A few months ago I reviewed an awesome online product called Affies4Kids. Affies4Kids is a program full of music, online videos, and printables – each revolving around a key message to teach kids positive self-talk. You can check it out here or go straight to their youtube channel. This is an easy introduction to having a positive attitude.
Besides enjoying the Affies4Kids songs and stories, here are 9 other activities that can spark the discussion of having a positive attitude with your kids:
Make a Wall of Love and talk about seeing the best in each other – from Coffee Cups and Crayons.
Create an Attitude Box and think about what makes you “shine” – from House of Shine.
Help kids see kindness as fun by giving Kindness Coupons – from Playtivities.
Start an Awe Journal to appreciate the amazing moments in everyday life – from The House of Hendrix.
Experience this hands-on lesson to show the kids just how big a difference kindness can make – from Pennies of Time.
Offer your children a chance to explore the concept of self-control through these Bubble Games – from Not Just Cute.
Write your own Life List to share your dreams and goals with each other – from Thinking IQ.
Help your kids work through anxiety by creating Worry Dolls together – from My Little Bookcase.
Guide your children through an activity to learn about interacting with others and Personal Space – from Confidence Meets Parenting.
How are you encouraging your children develop a positive attitude?
If you are looking for more in depth resources to encourage an optimistic outlook on life you may enjoy Harnessing the Power of Positivity, a printable workshop with a selection of activities, worksheets and craft ideas plus 30 exercises to help you develop a positive mindset. To be used at home or in the classroom; for kids and/or adults.
Article originally published: Apr 14, 2014
Republished: Mar 3, 2018
Thanks so much for including the Awe Journal in this post. Just shared! Happy Sunday!
Thanks Allison! Thanks for your awesome idea!
There are some really beautiful ideas in this list. I’m really going to explore these ideas you’ve shared. I struggle to adopt a positive attitude sometimes, and I worry about how that might affect my children.
Thanks for sharing
Definitely relate Jackie. It’s an awesome and scary responsibility to have so much influence on our kids’ thought patterns!
I think positive attitude should be taught as early as possible and thank you so much for putting this list of ideas to help kids be more positive. Oh, and appreciate you included our kindness coupons 🙂
Thanks so much for creating the coupons, they are lovely! I love finding creative ideas online to explore these important issues at home 🙂
This is lovely Chelsea.
This might be an odd thing to say, but one of the ways I am to encourage my kids to have a positive attitude is to be frank and honest about their strengths and weaknesses and that there is no fear in this truth.
I love that Kelly. I’ve learned as an adult it’s great to be honest with oneself so I can move forward with more self-awareness and insight, so it totally makes sense to start this habit from a young age. Thanks so much for sharing. xx
Hi Cheslea. This is wonderful!!
You had a chart on how to help kids make good decisions..
Could you please send this my way?
Hi Jay! Here’s the link I think you are looking for: http://www.momentsaday.com/positive-decision-making-printable/
I love the way you handle this, I am assisting with the primary education. some times I find it difficult to handle the attitudes of these young ones we can preach, talk and do what so ever but if they do not want to listen they real mean it. I think some how harsh discipline is the medicine towards such behavior.
Thank you Chelsea. There are some really beautiful ideas in this list. I struggle to adopt a positive attitude sometimes, and I’m always this will affect my kids somehow.
Thanks for the ideas. That help my children better
After reading this, I might just make myself a Worry Doll.
Thanx for the ideas… its helpful
I am very thankful that you are sharing veryhelpful and useful informantion