Thursday, August 28, 2008

Raise a SUNNY CHILD


From TODAY, Voices
Wednesday August 27, 2008

By Dr Bill Maier


Want your children to always look on the bright side of life? Well, here are five simple steps to raising a little optimist.

When children complain about something bad that has happened, quickly remind them of all the good things that are going on in their life. Teach them that just because one thing goes wrong, it doesn’t mean it should ruin their whole day.

Point out their strong points at every opportunity. Children who feel good about themselves tend to be more positive and upbeat.

When they are blue, look for ways to get them back on track. For most children, this is as simple as playing a game or baking cookies.

Make sure they get plenty of sleep and exercise. Fatigue and laziness are breeding grounds for a poor outlook.

And finally, model a sunny attitude yourself. The best way to raise “glass-half-full” children is to be a “glass-half-full” kind of person yourself.

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