Power of Positive Thinking: How to Build Character Potential with Showtime

 
Positive Thinking Builds Character in Kids

If you'd like your child to use positive thinking and build character too, our returning guest expert, Kendra Delano, takes an excerpt from her book, 'Showtime,' to show us how. First she'll use an example from herself and then from Caden, her son.

A 'Showtime' Example When Things Go Wrong:

"Did you know that anger is the second feeling? You usually feel sadness, fear, embarrassment, or loneliness first.

I had to remind myself of that when a workman didn’t show up to fix my air conditioner on three separate occasions. Every time I saw him he told me, “Manana…” So I would wait around all the next day hoping for some relief from heat to no avail.

I was livid but my first feeling was sadness. I felt insignificant and abandoned in a strange new place. I certainly felt better when someone explained that "manana" doesn’t only mean "tomorrow."

When used by a worker it is a face-saving way of saying that he or she doesn’t have the skill or contacts to do the job properly. "Manana" can mean, “Not today!”

How the Power of Positive Thinking Builds Character and Potential in Kids:

Caden's Story ~

"After my five-year-old son calms down from feeling angry we go back over the scenario and identify the first feeling he had. I empathize with him.

Then I ask how he could have handled that painful feeling differently (instead of raging, for example). Sometimes just labeling and acknowledging the first feeling brings unexpected gratitude from him because I shed light on why he behaved the way that he did.

A second point is that it’s important to monitor thoughts. By thinking, “I am going to have a good day anyway!” even after a disappointment, a person is primed to attract positive instead of more negative events.

Teach your children not to dwell on what happened but to focus (actually visualize) what they would LIKE to happen. They need to label what they want and expect it!

Lastly, it is in our nature to feel happy. Just look at your children each day and you will be reminded to feel awe and wonder and amusement instead of anxiety or fear!

Caden just came into the house as proud as he could possibly be. He asked if I would like to take the small fish he held in his hands and cook it up for dinner."

"Ummm, let’s take it to a restaurant. Surely someone other than I can take it back into the kitchen and make some terrific fajitas out of it!"

"I’ll teach him to catch and release tomorrow."

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Connect with Kendra and get her book, 'Showtime' at: www.SameDayDifferentChoices.com

'Showtime'
Let's give Kendra a BIG HAND for sharing how she uses and teaches the power of positive thinking. The example from her book 'Showtime' makes her method clear.

Kendra Delano

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Bonus Article:

Social Conscience: How to Use Moral Dilemmas Effectively with Kids

at:  http://www.kidsdiscuss.com/feature_article.asp?fa_id=109 

Parents, it's your turn to take the stage:

What are your opinions about this blog post or your suggestions for helping your kids? Please answer in the comment link below.

With warm wishes,

Jean Tracy, MSS

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Comments

[Jean Tracy, MSS]

I like how our guest blogger, Kendra, advises parents and children to say, "I'm going to have a good day." and visualize too.

Jean Tracy, MSS
http://www.KidsDiscuss.com