Some days it’s really hard for us adults to focus on what’s going right in our lives instead of what’s not. It can be just as hard for kids.
Our Registered Psychologist (Provisional) Lana McAleer tells you how you can help your child to look for the positives. These prompts are great for dinner time when everyone is sitting around the table, or at bedtime. And by learning how to do this early in life, your child will be able to use this skill as an adult to manage their stress. It will be a life changer!
Focus on the positive!
Often, it is easy for us to get caught up in the things that are going wrong or not the way we want in life, and children are not immune from this. Parents or other adults who spend time with children can help them think more about things that are going good, by practicing gratitude.
You can ask your child the following questions near the end of the day:
1. Name one good thing that happened to you today
2. Name something good that you saw someone else do
3. Today they had fun when . . .
If you want to continue doing this for more than one day, you can ask them some more questions from below, and then switch the questions up on different days.
1. Something you accomplished today was . . .
2. Something funny that happened today was . . .
3. Something you’re thankful for today is . . .
4. Today you smiled when . . .
5. Today you were proud of yourself when . . .
6. Today was special because . . .
7. Your favourite part of today was . . .
Thanks, Lana. I Love this! The more we can all focus on what’s going well instead of what’s going wrong, the happier and less stressed we’ll all be.
Lana McAleer is a Registered Paychologist (Provisional). She works with Adults, Children and Youth and specializes in the following:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Mental Health Issues
- ADHD
- Self Esteem
- Self Confidence
- Self Compassion
- Communication Issues
- And many more areas
Book your appointment with LANA here.
Cheers to focusing on the positive,
Penney