Children who learn to harness the power of their thoughts develop hard-wired, life-long neural connections aligned with success. One of the most important lessons we can teach our children is that they can decide what they think about. No matter the challenge, we can choose both our perspective and our response.

Optimism vs Pessimism
Stress inhibits learning. Anxiety closes us down. Pessimism limits opportunity. From a brain science perspective, stress, anxiety, and pessimism force the amygdala (the brain’s integrative center for emotions and motivations) to prevent information from flowing optimally into our prefrontal cortex (where executive functioning takes place). Children learn through emotion and experience; positive, playful emotions promote growth. Negative, unhappy emotions hinder development. An optimistic brain works better!

Glass Half-Full
Pour a glass half-full and observe it with children. As we discuss how we view the glass, we reveal something about ourselves and how we see the world. We can ask our children if they see the glass “half-empty” or “half-full.” After they’ve shared their thoughts, explain that while both perspectives are technically correct, we have the power to choose how we see things.

If we teach children to think with a “glass half-full” mindset, they’ll be inclined to navigate life with more hope and greater confidence. When we see things optimistically, we tend to be more resilient and develop happier, healthier, and more effective approaches to whatever life throws our way. Even if we have a hard time seeing it, there are positive lessons in virtually every situation.

Real Life Examples
Depending on a child’s age and maturity-level, the abstract lesson of glass “half-empty” or “half-full” might not click for them. Invite children to write down a particularly challenging real-life situation they’ve experienced, along with how unconfident expectations may have put them at a disadvantage—or how confident expectations may have given them a competitive edge. By hearing about their perspectives, we can talk about how our thoughts influence feelings and responses that, in-kind, influence other’s feelings and responses towards us. Later, as everyday situations arise, mom can keep the conversation going, reinforcing how, one way or another, both pessimism and optimism hold great influence over outcomes.

Summary
American author and educator, Helen Keller, wrote, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Keller, who was both blind and deaf, taught the truth that our thoughts bring us closer to the things we think about. Compared with apprehension and despair, our children are infinitely better equipped with hope and confidence.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” —Psalm 139:23-24 NLT