HOW TO DEVELOP A POSITIVE MINDSET IN CHILDREN
"Every child is born with a mind. No child is born with a mind-set " – Vikas Malkani
A positive mind-set doesn’t develop on its own, it must be created consciously.
At SoulKids we live with the understanding that every child is born with a mind, but not a mindset. This means that every child comes equipped with all the tools needed for perception and comprehension, but this still needs to be developed into a mindset that is either helpful or harmful. And that is the job of parents and teachers.
The greatest tool you can help your child create, is a positive mindset which also contains a strong and positive sense of self-esteem.
In my research I have found that the 2 important things we all seek in life are Happiness and Success, and that both of them are easier attained when one has a positive mindset and a strong self-confidence and self-esteem.
A positive mindset, once developed, will serve your child for the future and will help them to create happiness and success as they grow.
At SoulKids, we specialize in teaching children essential life skills through the use of wisdom stories, leadership games, teamwork skills, and lesson-based experiential learning, amongst other teaching tools.
SoulKids is highly effective in training children to create a positive mindset, raising children’s self-esteem and also gives them a strong foundation upon which to build further. In fact, we have won numerous awards in recognition of this excellence.
Let me share with you 3 simple ways you can inculcate a positive mindset, self-confidence and self-esteem in your child.
1) TRAIN YOUR MIND TO FEED POSITIVE THOUGHTS - Many years ago, I wrote a life-changing story which children love:
A grandmother and her 8-year-old grandson are walking down the road when they see 2 dogs fighting. As they watch, the grandson predicts that the bigger, stronger dog will win. He is soon proved right, as the stronger, bigger dog overpowers the smaller, weaker one.
The grandmother then tells her grandson ‘Like the dogs on the street, there are 2 dogs in your mind too. These 2 dogs are also fighting because they don’t get along. The first dog is your inner positive voice that encourages you, finds the good in you and always gives you confidence. The other dog is your inner negative voice that says you are not good enough, that everywhere there are problems, and it always lowers your self-esteem.’
She reminds him that he must always remember that even in his own mind, the bigger, stronger dog will win. And that whichever dog one feeds more, always becomes bigger and wins the fight.
This story teaches us that we must feed our positive thoughts and inner voice, to make it stronger, till it becomes our mindset.
Feeding positive thoughts repeatedly trains the mindset to become more positive. And since the mind is the filter through which we see everything in this world, it creates a positive perspective on life. The results are increased happiness and easier success as the child grows into an adult.
So, start your day with your child on a positive note. Remind your child that you love them; that you will always support and guide them to happiness and success. Be the most positive person you can be with your child. Feed your positive dog and feed your child’s positive dog too.
2) HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN TO DO THINGS - At every age, there are new things for kids to learn. When a child does something new, it gets them out of their zone of comfort and into their zone of discovery and growth; it makes them grow.
Doing new things is absolutely essential for the constant development of a child and also great for building a positive mind-set.
When teaching kids how to do things, show and help them at first. Then let them do what they can, even if they make mistakes. Be sure your child has lots of opportunities to learn, try, and feel proud.
Don't make new challenges too easy — or too hard.
3) STOP NEGATIVE CRITICISM -
The messages kids hear about themselves from others easily translate into how they feel about themselves. Harsh words such as ‘You're so lazy’ are harmful, and not motivating at all. When children absorb negative messages about themselves, especially from the parents or family, they feel bad about themselves, and act accordingly.
Never belittle your child's feelings. If you get angry take a short break so you don't say anything you'll regret later. And remember, you can dislike a child's actions without disliking the child.
Words have power, so be conscious of what you speak to and around your child.
In SoulKids we believe that a positive mindset is important because when children feel good about themselves, it sets them up for success — in everything from school to friendships. A positive mindset helps children try new challenges, cope with mistakes, and try again.
In contrast, children with a negative mindset feel unsure of themselves, think others won't accept them, and have a hard time standing up for themselves. They also give up on their goals and dreams easier and are unable to persist in the achieving worthy goals.
SoulKids is an award-winning training program of essential life-skills for children.
Read more about SoulKids here www.soulkids.org
The next SoulKids Self-Confidence program is coming up on 11 / 12 / 13 June. An ideal moment for your child to grow self-confidence and have fun during the school holidays at the same time.
For registration, click here.
For all upcoming SoulKids events click http://www.soulkids.org/events
One on One coaching sessions can be booked at your convenience by contacting the SoulKids Manager, Vidhya on soulkids@soulcentre.org.
