Patrick McMillan is an inspirational speaker to children, pre-teens and teenagers and a subject matter expert in childhood emotional development. He is the founder of HappierKidsNow.com and the author of An Exercise in Happiness™, a “hands on” emotional fitness program for elementary and middle school ages, and The Science of Happy Kids & Joyful Parenting™ introducing the science of happiness to children and parents.
Patrick believes that every child has the right to succeed in their daily quest to be happy. Parents can help their children be happy in several ways. The most important is to remain optimistic no matter what circumstances they are facing. How we explain events that happen in our life is passed on to our kids. They will become optimistic or pessimistic based on how we handle life.
Here are some tips to help single parents stay optimistic:
1. Focus on the positive.
How we explain events that happen in our life is passed on to our kids. They will become optimistic or pessimistic based on how we handle difficult circumstances.
2. Realize that you already have what it takes to overcome bad situations.
When you look at things differently, they change. You will manifest into your experience what you focus your thoughts on.
3. Look at adversity as an opportunity.
Develop a growth mindset. With effort and hard work you can achieve your goals.
4. Be grateful.
Finding something to be grateful for when you are going through hard times changes your outlook on life. To maintain a positive attitude, keep a gratitude journal. Ask your children to tell you three good things that happened to them today and write it down for them in their own gratitude journal.
5. Forgive your ex-spouse.
Forgiveness is not condoning bad actions. It’s about understanding that the person has problems and there might be a situation in their life that they aren’t able to deal with.
6. Watch your thoughts.
You choose how you feel, because you choose how you think. You will manifest into your experience what you focus your thoughts on. When you teach children how to think differently, they change.
The following books are helpful in creating an optimistic attitude:
1. The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience by Martin E. P. Seligman
2. The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel
To learn more about Patrick McMillan’s “Science of Happy Kids & Joyful Parenting Program” go to: www.GreatParentingShow.com/patrick
Click here to listen to the replay of the interview.
Interesting blog especially about forgiving your spouse. I don’t think many couple forgive their other half. I think that the parents should respect each other and show their chidlren that they can get on and be civil to each other.
Naomi recently posted..Children’s Needs
[Reply]
Great post! Singe parenting is not easy so here’s an inspirational video to watch for all the single moms and Dads out there! You’re dedication and commitment to your child is essential for his success. So don’t give up!
http://disciplineandchildren.com/single-parenting.html
Lucia recently posted..Child Behavior in Deficient Children
[Reply]