We create our whole world by the way we think. Thoughts are the causes and conditions are the effects. Our conditions and situations are not dictated by the world outside; it is the world inside us that creates the outside.

Our thoughts affect the whole body. Facts prove that it's natural for people to focus more on negative thoughts than on positive ones, and this can be even more true for children.

Ultimately, a negative attitude can shape how a child sees herself and the world around her.

As parents, there's plenty we can do to help our children develop a more positive attitude about themselves and their world.

Learning opportunities: Teaching your child to change their speech will instantly help create a positive mindset and attitude. Instead of saying statements such as "I'm weak at Maths, I cannot do it" encourage them to try a more positive approach. "I find Maths really difficult, but I'm going to keep trying my best and ask for help if I need it." Soon this approach will become second nature and negativity will become a thing of the past!

Engage in Extracurricular activities: Motivating your children to develop and pursue hobbies that they are good at is a great way to increase their confidence levels. Whether it's cricket, music, dancing, art and crafts, reading or acting- taking part in activities that they are passionate about and enjoy will reinforce positivity.

Nurturing positive values: Remind your children that being positive or negative about something is always a choice. It's important to try and encourage them to always focus on the best possible outcome rather than the worse. Ultimately, choosing to have a positive attitude will be more beneficial and help them get through any difficult or testing situations.

You must value qualities such as:

• Wisdom
• Elegance
• Empathy
• Perception
• Creativity

Foster gratitude: When children learn to recognize and appreciate the good things in life, they develop satisfaction and a sense of optimism. We must nurture gratitude in homes including helping kids focus on the present moment and fostering their imagination. And when children are inspired to speak their gratitude aloud, it becomes even more powerful and transformative.

Practice what you preach: Providing your children with lots of love and praise is a really easy way to help encourage positivity. Kind words, hugs, kisses, handshakes and special treat days out every now and again is sure to help everyone feel upbeat and optimistic.

Remember

Thinking positively, when practiced intentionally on a daily basis, can become a way of life. The benefits to your children's self-esteem, mood, and general enjoyment of life are endless.

As parents, our aim should be to cultivate such a positive learning environment which helps kids to become the best version of themselves.

Thank you,
Regards,
Ms. Nida Fatema Jaffer
MYP Coordinator Birla Open Minds International School Walkeshwar