A Positive Attitude: Turning a half-empty attitude into half-full

Becoming a better parent can be easier than you think. A simple attitude adjustment may be all that is needed. The attitude you present to those around you is an important factor in how you are raising your children. Not sure what kind of attitude you have? Ask yourself this question: Do I tend to see situations as half-full or half-empty? If your answer is half-empty then your attitude most likely leans towards the negative.

Having a positive attitude can lead to better parenting. It is not impossible to change your attitude. You can start by making deliberate efforts to focus on the positive aspects of each situation. 

Here are three good reasons for developing and maintaining a positive attitude as a parent.

1) Your attitude helps to determine how you perceive your child’s behavior.  For example, if your almost two-year-old has recently developed the habit of saying “NO!” you can perceive his response as either (A) “My child is developing a healthy sense of autonomy and independence” (a positive attitude) or (B) “My child is becoming a little monster” (a negative attitude). Option A will leave you encouraged that your child is showing growth while option B will leave you frustrated and discouraged.

2) Your attitude helps to determine how you will react.  If you perceive your child’s behavior in a positive manner, you’re more likely to react in a positive way.  For example, if you respond with a positive response of love and affection, you reassure him that it’s natural and okay for him to want to demonstrate greater independence as he gets older.  On the other hand, if you perceive the same behavior in a negative manner, you’re more likely to respond in a negative way, “you’ll lose your story time if you keep doing that!”

3) Your attitude will affect how your child will respond.  When a parent (or childcare provider) exhibits a positive attitude toward a child’s behavior, the child is more likely to develop a positive attitude toward life.  Giving him the reassurance that he is loved unconditionally will help him to be more in-tune with his world and, therefore, behave more positively.  On the contrary, when a child feels threatened and unloved because of a caregiver’s negative attitude, he is more likely to develop negative feelings toward himself, which ultimately will lead to worse behavior.

It’s important to note that having a positive attitude toward a child’s behavior (“I think my child is terrific”) is not the same as spoiling a child (“My child can do no wrong”). A spoiled child will eventually exhibit misbehavior that is increasingly more demanding of parents, while the child who is treated with a positive yet realistic attitude will likely develop a similar, more positive attitude.

Don’t forget to seek out these same positive quality characteristics with your childcare services and childcare programs. Trained childcare professionals are committed to changing perspectives for the better. They strive to see their environments as half-full.

Changing a negative attitude into a positive one is a choice. It takes time and attention, but is well worth the effort. The results will be positive -- not only for your child, but for you.

Kids ‘R’ Kids believes that happy, loved, connected children are destined for success in every facet of their lives. Our most cherished principle, “Hug First, Then Teach,” defines every aspect of who we are at Kids ‘R’ Kids. When it comes to teaching, Kids ‘R’ Kids understands the importance of involving families with their child’s developmental milestones and accomplishments. We hope you will drop by for a tour at one of our 3 locations in the Frisco area. You will find more information on our 3 locations at www.krkwestfrisco.com and www.kidsrkidsfrisco.com.

ã Kids ‘R’ Kids Frisco, West Frisco, Legacy West 2012