One of the most important characteristics you can nurture in your child is optimism. Raising an optimistic child teaches a toddler to be capable in overcoming challenges much better than a toddler who is filled with pessimism. Here are some tips on how you can raise an optimistic child.

Set A Positive Example

The first step to raising an optimistic child is to become an optimist yourself. Keep in mind that you are your toddler’s role model – your toddler will mimic whatever you say and do. Sure, the world may not be a bed of roses but never let your struggles and complaints get the best of you. Make a decision to focus more on the positive – the things that make you laugh or things that would excite your little one. When you attain success, give yourself credit for a job well done. When facing hurdles, look for the silver lining rather than feel depressed.

Help Your Toddler Deal With His Thoughts

In order to raise an optimistic child, you have to help your toddler recognize his thoughts. Ask your toddler how he is feeling and what he is thinking. Listen attentively. For instance, if he got a low score in his Math subject, ask him what he felt and thought at that time. Then, help your toddler cope with frustrations and hurts. This teaches your toddler not to exaggerate things and put things in perspective.

Keep Your Toddler Busy

All too often, toddlers complain that they are bored. Such boredom can make a toddler dreary and too weak to let life in. Hence, it is very important to discourage boredom. Keep your little one busy and entertained by encouraging him to do various fun activities. Play games. Read a book. Doodle. Go out. Allow your toddler to spend more time in the playground or do whatever he wants to do (as long as he is safe). An optimistic child knows how to find ways to make himself happy, thus making life more interesting.

Encourage Success

Help your toddler experience success at an early age. Instead of doing things for your toddler, let your little one do things for himself. Give your toddler responsibilities at home such as putting his toys away, setting the table, sorting socks, etc. By doing these things, your toddler is achieving success which helps develop self-esteem and optimism.

Give Praise

It is very essential for a parent to acknowledge a toddler’s success. For instance, if he got a high score in his homework, say, “You did so well on your homework. I am proud of you!” or “You are such a hard worker, baby!”. Giving a child credit for his own accomplishments will make him feel good and think good thoughts.

Make Room For Mistakes

Raising an optimistic child means allowing the child to make mistakes. If your toddler wants to try out something new, encourage him to do it. If your toddler succeeds, then very good. But if he fails, persuade your toddler to try again. Explain to your toddler that people make mistakes and help him gauge what he can do so he can do better next time. Remember not to use negative labels or compare your toddler to others when he makes mistakes as this can permanently impact (in a negative way) his outlook in life.

Help Your Toddler Look For The Bright Side

For you to raise an optimistic child, you have to help your little one see the good in every bad situation. For instance, if he is unable to play outside because it is raining, play indoor games or make hot chocolate together instead. By working on the problem together, your toddler is able to understand that while things may not always go the way he wants it to be, there is still hope.

Show Your Toddler Affection

Make it a point to show your precious one you love him. Kiss, say loving words, give hugs and pats on the back and cuddle from time to time. Spend some one-on-one time every day. Studies show that children who are shown plenty of affection at a young age are able to self-soothe, a very important skill parents need to teach their children for them to successfully raise an optimistic child.

An optimistic child is full of energy, promise and brimming with happiness in spite of adversities. Helping your toddler become an optimist will make your little one believe that life is good and help him grow into a successful individual.