The Power Of Attitude

Having a positive attitude brings optimism into our lives and makes it easier to avoid worry and negative thinking. A positive attitude helps one see the bright side of any given situation and  cope with the stresses of life more effectively.

Developing a positive attitude towards our children and the stages they go through helps us  look toward each stage with a better frame of mind, hoping for the best instead of the worst. For example, when a parent of a new baby is told "Just wait until your child starts to crawl!"  or "Oh boy, you don't want to know what it will be like when that baby starts to talk,!" that parent is hearing a negative attitude. Why shouldn't we look toward the future with hope and excitement? Our thoughts create our reality. For example, thoughts such as "this child is born to be stubborn," may lead to a negative attitude toward that child's stubbornness, which can stop us from having the patience to spend time teaching that child how to cooperate. 

"Just wait until they are older, they won't like many things you did as a parent!" This way of thinking is not conducive to a positive attitude.  It may make a person feel like not trying their best. What we can realize is that no relationship is perfect! We don't love everything our spouse, friends or our coworkers do. Even our best friends may do things that  irritate us. It is communication and understanding as well as apologizing when necessary, that make our relationships strong. Our kids feel our intentions and most of all, our attitude. It is important that our children feel free to share their feelings, both positive and negative, without being judged. Having open, loving communication, keeps the relationship strong so that one day when our children come tell us the things they "didn't like," that strong bond of trust and understanding that has been built has a greater chance of staying intact, regardless of mistakes made.

"Just wait till you have teens," is something that a young mother may hear. Choosing to think "I hope to deal with each stage as it comes as best as I can,  and if I don't know how, I will reach out for help," will lead to a more positive outlook on going through the stages as they come and help us to parent to the best of our abilities. Attitude is a choice! Let us  choose to look toward the future through positive eyes!