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Did you know that children who have a positive mindset are more likely to succeed in school and in life? Today we will look at 10 positive mindset activities for kids that will create happy, positive kids!
In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, cultivating a positive mindset has become more important than ever. A positive mindset is the mental attitude of approaching life with a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.
Studies have shown that those who have a positive mindset enjoy better mental and physical health, increased resilience, and better problem-solving skills.
For children, having a positive mindset is especially important, as it can help them develop healthy coping mechanisms and set the foundation for a successful future. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of cultivating a positive mindset in children and provide some practical tips for parents and caregivers to help foster positivity in their children’s lives.
So, let’s jump in and start exploring the world of positive thinking and how it can benefit our children.
Activity #1: Gratitude Journaling
Gratitude journaling is a great way to help kids focus on the positive aspects of their lives. In order to teach positive mindset activities for kids, you have to first introduce it as the norm! Introducing children to gratitude journaling is an excellent way to introduce the concept of mindfulness, which can be beneficial for everyone.
Here’s how you do it:
- Get your child a notebook and some crayons or markers. Make sure they have enough space on each page and that it is age appropriate.
- Ask them to write down three things they’re grateful for every day (or at least once a week). These could be anything from “My dog” or “I got an A+ on my spelling test” or even, “My parents love me.” It doesn’t matter what it is–just encourage them not just think about it but actually write down those things as well.
- You can also ask them questions such as “What makes today a good day?” or even just ask them how their day went every night before bedtime. If possible, try doing this activity together so that both parties are invested in finding ways for everyone’s happiness!
Activity #2: Positive Affirmations for Kids
In this activity, you’ll encourage your child to think positively by writing down positive statements and telling them over and over again. By teaching children positive affirmations you will help them reframe their mindset and learn how to think positively from a young age. Using positive affirmations as positive mindset activities for kids is perfect for introducing kids to the idea of positive mindset.
In order to do this, you’ll need:
- A paper or notebook for each child (or a big piece of paper that everyone can share)
- Markers or crayons for each child (optional)
- An adult helper who can read the following instructions aloud in a calm voice
- Use these FREE printable affirmations for Kids to introduce positive affirmations to your kids.
- TIP: Print them out and place them where your child will see them often!
Activity #3: Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing is a simple, yet powerful tool for promoting mindfulness in children. The technique involves focusing on your breath–noticing the sensation of inhaling and exhaling, and counting each breath as it comes in and goes out.
This activity can be done anywhere at any time, whether you’re sitting at home or walking through the park! Most of us are raised without any idea about the benefits of mindfulness breath work.
This is what you need to get started:
- A quiet space where you won’t be interrupted by others (or even yourself) for 5 minutes or more. I literally cannot focus or get anything done without earplugs! If you find yourself really struggling to focus, try EAR PLUGS! They are my lifesaver.
- A timer set for 5 minutes (you can use an app like Calm or Insight Timer).
Here are some age-appropriate modifications: For younger children who may not be able to sit still for long periods of time without fidgeting or getting distracted by their surroundings, consider doing this activity lying down instead of sitting upright with good posture like adults do when meditating–and try not to talk too much during those first few minutes so that they can focus on their breathing instead of answering questions about what’s going on outside their window right now…
Activity #4: Teach Positive Mindset by Appreciating Nature
Nature is a great source of inspiration. It’s also a fun way to get outside and learn about the world around us.
If you want your child to see how amazing nature can be, try taking them on a walk through your neighborhood or park.
Ask them what they see in their surroundings: trees, flowers, birds and other animals. You could even take along binoculars so that they can get closer looks at some of the things they find interesting!
Here’s a FREE printable Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt page to use.
If you’re feeling ambitious (or if it’s winter), consider going hiking somewhere nearby where there are lots of different types of plants and wildlife–like Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming or Yosemite National Park in California! Wherever you live! Your child will love exploring all these new sights while having fun with family members who care about them deeply.
Activity #5: Music and Dance
- Music and dance are great ways to promote a positive mindset in children. The act of moving your body in time with music has been shown to release endorphins that make you feel good, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- You will need:
-A CD or playlist of upbeat songs that are appropriate for your child’s age group (see below). If you don’t have access to a CD player or MP3 player, try using YouTube videos instead!
-A space where your child can move freely without bumping into anything or anyone else (such as an empty room).
Activity #6: Positive Visualization
Positive visualization is a technique that helps children to visualize the best possible outcome of a situation. It helps them to focus on what they want, rather than what they do not have or cannot do.
This activity can be done with materials such as construction paper and crayons or markers. You can also use paint and brushes if you wish to make it more visual! The idea behind this activity is to create an image of something you want in your life (such as good health), then cut it out and hang it up where you will see it every day. This way, when you are feeling down about yourself or something else in life, taking time out for positive visualization will help remind yourself how great things really are!
Activity #7: Acts of Kindness
This activity is a great way to help children learn about the importance of doing good for others. It can be done in many different ways, but here are some basic guidelines:
- Choose an act of kindness that you would like to encourage your child to perform. For example, if your child is old enough and has a sibling or friend who lives nearby, ask them to bring over some cookies for their sibling/friend as a surprise!
- Make sure there are plenty of materials available so everyone can participate without spending too much money on supplies (or having extra materials lying around). If you have time before the meeting starts, gather everything together so that when it comes time for people’s turn at being generous they won’t have any trouble finding what they need!
- Be creative with ideas–you don’t need fancy things like flowers or jewelry; even just saying “hello” when passing someone by could make them feel better!
Activity #8: Creative Expression
Creative expression is another great way to encourage your child’s development and promote a positive mindset. You can help them express themselves through painting, drawing, or other art forms.
Here are some of the materials you’ll need:
- Paper (or canvas or anything else)
- Paintbrushes (different sizes)
- Watercolors/markers/crayons/etc.
Activity #9: Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is a simple activity that can be done at home or in the classroom. It requires only a few materials and can be adapted to accommodate children of all ages.
The goal of mindful eating is to help children develop an awareness of how food affects their bodies, as well as an appreciation for the many different tastes they experience while eating it. To begin this activity, you’ll need:
- A variety of healthy snacks (fruit, vegetables, crackers)
- A bowl or plate for each child
- A timer set for five minutes
Activity #10: Teach Positive Self-talk
In this activity, you’ll help your child develop a positive self-image and learn positive mindset activities for kids by helping them identify and appreciate their strengths.
I remember as a child thinking I was good at something, just to be laughed at and told I was not. Singing for example. Even if your child isn’t good at singing you can still make them feel positive about what they enjoy.
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”
Confucius.
To start, ask your child to think of one thing they are good at doing. This could be something like singing or playing soccer–it doesn’t matter what it is as long as it makes them feel proud of themselves!
Next, have them write down their answer on a piece of paper in big letters so that everyone can see it easily. Next, make sure everyone has access to markers or crayons so that they can write something nice about themselves on their own piece of paper (or even draw an illustration).
Finally, ask each person in the group to share what they wrote about themselves with one another and then compliment each other for being so awesome!
Conclusion
Children are often the victims of the negative mindsets of their parents. They can become unhappy and frustrated, which can lead to poor behavior. Teach children how to have a positive mindset and give children a better start in life.
It’s important for parents and teachers to help children develop a positive mindset so they can enjoy life more and be successful in school or at work.
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