Optimism: Inspire an Attitude of Gratitude

30 January 2010 0 views 11 Comments

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I mentioned last Saturday that I was going to focus on one Fishful Thinking ingredient each month between now and June. February is Optimism month. I thought I’d post a little overview of what optimism is and why it’s important (as parents especially) to focus on this great value!

From FishfulThinking.com, I found a list of Optimism Facts:

Optimism is a skill that all children can learn.
Optimism helps children solve problems, set goals, build confidence and find ways around obstacles.
The more Optimism is practiced the easier it becomes.
Optimism leads to greater happiness and well-being.
Parents and teachers can help children learn the skills of Optimism.
Children who are Optimistic:
- Have greater motivation, greater resilience, more positive moods, higher achievement and a greater sense of control
- Perform better in school
- Have better overall physical health
- Have better relationships.
Children who are pessimistic may:
- Be more likely to become depressed
- Be more likely to experience anxiety
- Be underachievers
- Not do as well in school
- Be at higher risk for a variety of other negative outcomes.

Source: Reivich, K., J.E. Gillham, T.M. Chaplin, & M.E.P. Seligman, from “Helplessness to Optimism: The Role of Resilience in Treating and Preventing Depression in Youth” (2005) in S. Goldstein & R.B. Brooks (Eds.), Handbook of Resilience in Children (pp 223-237). New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.

This week I plan on focusing on the Optimism activity “Inspire an Attitude of Gratitude.”

By the way, this Tuesday, February 2, 9-11 p.m. EST (8CT, 7 MT, & 6 PT) please join me, Dr. Karen Reivich, Mom it Forward, and many others at the Fishful Thinking twitter party. Details (including RSVP and prizes and a guest post from me!) can be found on Momitforward.com. Hope to see you there!

PS–today is Twizzler’s 9th birthday! I’ll be back soon with birthday pictures!

11 Comments »

Nicole said:

I keep seeing all of these post about the fishful thinking. I guess I need to check out your previous post and learn about it.
Nicole´s last blog ..It’s Friday and VGNO!!!!

[Reply]

Lolli
Twitter: 1momof5
Reply:
January 30th, 2010 at 11:10 am

Yes, please do check the program out. I wouldn’t be promoting it if I didn’t believe in it so much!

[Reply]

# 30 January 2010 at 10:36 am

Brandie
Twitter: rudyrukus
said:

Have fun celebrating!! I am working on the whole optimism thing too. I have noticed in definite difference in myself hope it is spreading to my kiddos!
Brandie´s last blog ..Music Warms My Soul

[Reply]

Lolli
Twitter: 1momof5
Reply:
January 30th, 2010 at 11:09 am

Thanks! We will (have fun, that is). Just wish me luck. It’s snowing, and I am going to brave the roads to take Twiz out for lunch and a shopping trip.

[Reply]

# 30 January 2010 at 11:01 am

Joe Zachs said:

Agree with that on children being optimistic/pessimistic

[Reply]

# 30 January 2010 at 9:24 pm

angie
Twitter: 7clowncircus
said:

Optimism is my favorite part of the Fishful THinking campaign!
angie´s last blog ..Grocery Store Humiliation

[Reply]

# 31 January 2010 at 12:49 am

Kelli @ writingthewaves
Twitter: writingthewaves
said:

Can’t wait for the #GNO tonight! Fishful Thinking rocks!

[Reply]

# 2 February 2010 at 9:14 am

Cheryl@SomewhatCrunchy said:

Thanks for sharing, optimism really is a learned behavior. It’s such an important life tool.

[Reply]

Lolli
Twitter: 1momof5
Reply:
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:23 pm

It really is such an important skill! And I love that we can teach our children to be optimistic.

[Reply]

# 2 February 2010 at 9:05 pm

Cecily R said:

The more optimism is practiced the easier it becomes…I LOVE that!!!
Cecily R´s last blog ..Photo Story Friday and 3-6-5

[Reply]

# 4 February 2010 at 9:44 pm

Gratitude Can Provide Stress Relief « Working Well Resources' Blog said:

[...] Optimism: Inspire an Attitude of Gratitude (betterinbulk.net) [...]

# 23 April 2010 at 12:05 pm

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