Approaching life with a positive, optimistic viewpoint makes it easier to find contentment and happiness, because we’re not constantly worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. With this in mind, parents should try and help their youngsters develop an optimistic attitude so that they feel prepared to take on life’s challenges. I have teamed up with a secondary school in Devon to offer some advice.

Encourage a Growth Mindset

One way to help your child look to the future with a positive view is to help them develop a growth mindset. In other words, they need to know that, as a human being, they are constantly learning and improving. Mistakes will be made along the way, but they will learn from them and be in a better place if they are faced with the same challenge in the future. Encouraging a growth mindset will help your child strive to achieve various goals and make plans for the future.

Shield Your Child from Your Worries

Being an adult is undeniably stressful at times. We have bills to worry about and sometimes work can get on top of us. It’s important to try and shield your child from these stressors so that they don’t worry about growing up or subconsciously take on your burdens as their own. Generally speaking, it’s wise to try and demonstrate a positive attitude around your child as much as possible so that they develop a similar outlook. Consider your terminology and try and stop yourself before you say something negative.

Explore Gratitude

Try and teach your child to count their blessings and express gratitude daily. This will help them enjoy the simple pleasures and allow them to focus on the good in their lives, rather than dwell on the bad. Perhaps use mealtimes to take it in turns to share something you’re grateful for, even if it’s something simple like someone gave you a lift or helped you put the shopping away.

Start Each Day in a Positive Way

We can all be grumpy in the mornings, especially on a school or workday, but try and start each day in a positive way. On your drive to school, point out the wonders of the world, or talk about the benefits of a lesson that your child isn’t necessarily looking forward to that day. This will set your child up for a good day.