| Take a glass half full of milk. Are you the type of person who looks at the glass and says it is half empty or half full? |  |
In a world increasing in negativity and despair it is important that we teach our children to look at the glass as half full. Having a positive attitude helps people cope with their daily lives. It reduces negative thinking and helps life seem happier and brighter. But a positive attitude has to be developed. Some people are more naturally inclined to be positive, but that doesn’t mean the pessimists out there can’t change.
Here is a list of ideas that you can use to help teach your child and yourself to have a positive attitude.
- Never say, “I can’t”. “I can’t” is a negative statement that makes a person feel bad about themselves. If you do not want to do something then say, “I won’t.” That is an active choice not an unconfident statement.
- Control internal dialogue. Practice changing comments in your head so that they are positive instead of negative.
- Choose to be positive. Being positive is a choice just like being unhappy. I often tell my son that no one can make him mad or unhappy he has to choose to react that way.
- Smile and laugh. Find reasons to smile and laugh. Smiling and laughing actually changes your brain chemistry and makes you feel better.
- Focus on the positive. Focus on the good things about yourself and in your life instead of the negative. Remember that there are always things that cannot be controlled, so do not dwell on them.
- Serve others. When we serve other people we forget our own problems because we are focused on somebody else.
- Love and be loved. Love your children and teach them to love others. Being loved gives us a feeling of self-worth and combats feelings of negativity.
- Find spirituality. Research shows that those who have and practice some form of spiritual beliefs live longer, happier lives.
- Live healthy. Getting proper rest and nutrition helps our body stay balanced and makes it easier to focus on the positive.
- Learn new things. Learning something new improves confidence, whether it is reading a book, participating in sports, or learning a skill like cooking.
- Have faith in yourself. Believe that you can be successful.
Teaching your children to have a positive attitude will help them feel better about themselves. It will help to ensure life-long success. It will also make other people want to be around them. So start looking at the glass as half full today.