Help Your Child THRIVE, Not Just Survive
Help Your Child THRIVE, Not Just Survive
By David Benzel, Growing Champions for Life, January 22, 2015
Up until 1997, 87% of all studies in the field of psychology were focused on how to relieve the suffering of those stricken with depression, anxiety, and other emotional disorders. Beginning in the late 90's researchers began studying the flip side of that condition - happiness! Why are some people happier than others? What creates a sense of well-being and happiness in people? Suddenly the question became, "what can people do to help themselves THRIVE, not just survive?
This is an important topic for parents who want to teach their children how to choose happiness during their youth sport experience. Yes, happiness is a choice. The sad fact is that many athletes have the attitude that they will become happy after they reach success. Happiness is seen as a destination found on the other side of success. "Work hard so you can become happy." Of course it never works out that way because success is a moving target that keeps advancing ahead of us with each new goal we set.
The researchers in the field of positive psychology discovered something interesting: athletes who choose happiness perform better than those who labor and wait for it to arrive. In fact, according to author Shawn Achor, all of us are 31% more productive when we're happy.
So what are the steps to thriving and experiencing a sense of happiness or well-being? Martin Seligman lists many strategies in his book "Flourish". Here are four activities that will actually increase the serotonin levels in your child:
1. End each day by listing three good things that happened.
2. Keep a Thankfulness Journal and add three new things daily.
3. Maintain a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative talk.
4. Set aside a quiet time every day for prayer or quiet reflection.
Each of these activities has been proven to lead to higher levels of happiness and well-being because of the accumulative effect of focusing on the positive elements of life. Giving our attention to positive thoughts and language just works better in life than the alternative. Nothing good comes from negativity! Teach your children to make a happier choice and watch them thrive.
Parenting is, without a doubt, a sacrificial act of love and compassion; including the moments of stern, tough love when a child's behavior must be redirected and unpleasant consequences are dished out for the purpose of a life lesson. For us to succeed in our assignment - to serve our highest purpose - we must first find within ourselves the ability to respond empathically to our children's emotional needs with grace and support. Regardless of life's circumstances, our children gain the grit they need for life when they experience the security of a personal emotional bond with one or both parents. Let's be sure we've aimed our hearts at what makes the biggest difference in a child's life. Family matters!
FREE Webinar
"From Chump to Champ in Four Steps
Date: Thursday January 22, 2015,
Time: 9:00 PM Eastern Time,
45-minute live webinar plus Q & A
Click Here to register.
This is an important topic for parents who want to teach their children how to choose happiness during their youth sport experience. Yes, happiness is a choice. The sad fact is that many athletes have the attitude that they will become happy after they reach success. Happiness is seen as a destination found on the other side of success. "Work hard so you can become happy." Of course it never works out that way because success is a moving target that keeps advancing ahead of us with each new goal we set.
The researchers in the field of positive psychology discovered something interesting: athletes who choose happiness perform better than those who labor and wait for it to arrive. In fact, according to author Shawn Achor, all of us are 31% more productive when we're happy.
So what are the steps to thriving and experiencing a sense of happiness or well-being? Martin Seligman lists many strategies in his book "Flourish". Here are four activities that will actually increase the serotonin levels in your child:
1. End each day by listing three good things that happened.
2. Keep a Thankfulness Journal and add three new things daily.
3. Maintain a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative talk.
4. Set aside a quiet time every day for prayer or quiet reflection.
Each of these activities has been proven to lead to higher levels of happiness and well-being because of the accumulative effect of focusing on the positive elements of life. Giving our attention to positive thoughts and language just works better in life than the alternative. Nothing good comes from negativity! Teach your children to make a happier choice and watch them thrive.
Parenting is, without a doubt, a sacrificial act of love and compassion; including the moments of stern, tough love when a child's behavior must be redirected and unpleasant consequences are dished out for the purpose of a life lesson. For us to succeed in our assignment - to serve our highest purpose - we must first find within ourselves the ability to respond empathically to our children's emotional needs with grace and support. Regardless of life's circumstances, our children gain the grit they need for life when they experience the security of a personal emotional bond with one or both parents. Let's be sure we've aimed our hearts at what makes the biggest difference in a child's life. Family matters!
FREE Webinar
"From Chump to Champ in Four Steps
Date: Thursday January 22, 2015,
Time: 9:00 PM Eastern Time,
45-minute live webinar plus Q & A
Click Here to register.
