According to research, your optimistic viewpoint is inherited by your genes – by half.

The other half you control, although there is a small percentage that people within your environment determine.

The good news is that you decide who to hang around with.

Mental Health is a prevalent issue in today’s society.

Therefore, raising your child with an optimistic viewpoint hugely benefits them. 

Specifically, as a parent, either over the dinner table or when tucking your child into bed, you could ask them what they were grateful for today.

Many activities help a child learn about optimism and how to practice it.

When you do an activity regularly, it impacts their consciousness.

Your child will preempt your question of the evening and have their answer ready for you when you ask. 

Your child will start to look for positives within negative situations. 

They will see the bigger picture and understand they are growing from all experiences – positive and negative.

Although your child is likely to get into the habit of understanding what they are grateful for each day, it is still essential to continue to ask.

Conversations provide opportunities for a deep connection with your child and for them to talk to you about anything on their mind.

Regardless of age, we all continually learn new things all the time.

When your child talks about difficulties, you can focus on solutions to the problems.

After all, there is a saying: ‘There are no problems, only solutions’.

Get your child to offer solutions to their problems so they develop their problem-solving skills. 

When you have ideas to offer, wait for your child to finish what they have to contribute and then ask if you can share your thoughts.

Once your child consents, let them know what you think and why. 

They’ll gain wisdom by learning from those who came before them, which will benefit you and them later.

Optimism is not ignoring reality or negative situations. 

It is learning to cope and deal with them by considering the situation from a particular angle.

Everyone of every age goes through challenging times at some stage of life.

Learning to view things from a ‘what’s the positive in this situation?’ perspective is helpful.

It removes or reduces anxiety and, potentially, depression. 

Negativity feeds negativity, which may lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Optimism is a coping strategy with many positive outcomes, such as boosting physical health and having a group of positive, like-minded friends.

Additionally, it lowers stress levels due to a positive outlook on life.

Another bonus is that it helps sleep quality.

When you talk things out with your child before they sleep, they will sleep more peacefully.

In that case, so will you.