Boy with Camera

It is very easy to be negative about yourself and to put yourself down. Especially when you aren’t doing well at something. It can make you have negative thoughts and see yourself in a less positive light. We can focus on that thing far too much and start to doubt our abilities or think, ‘We aren’t very good ant anything’ which is not good for our mental health. Children are no different. Helping children focus on what they can do rather than what they cant do well is more positive and it will make them feel good. So how do parents change their child’s focus away from the negative?

Helping Children Focus On Things They Excel In

Let’s get them talking about the things they do well, then get them write them down. They can include anything including things they may find funny or take for granted e.g. they can hear well, are good at running etc. How long is the finished list? I imagine it is pretty long.

Then talk to them about the things they feel they can’t do so well. How long is that list? Hopefully much smaller. How do they know they don’t do them so well? Is there evidence? Maybe there is but there may not be any evidence. Are they comparing themselves to others in their assessment or selling themselves short?  If so they need to stop.

Can they put the ‘not so good at’ things into perspective and start to focus on what they are good at. In addition they could start to work harder on those areas they aren’t so good in and become better. It is all about focus and a positive focus means a positive mindset. Helping children focus on the right things will be good for their head and self-esteem.

For more help with focusing on the good things why not download my ebook on self-esteem or pick up a copy of my ‘WOW’ Board.