Optimism Leads to Achievement

Children who are optimistic tend to be eager to confront challenges, are proud of their accomplishments, and are resilient in the face of setbacks that growing up inevitably brings.

Children develop theories about why they succeed or fail, and parents can help children be optimistic about setbacks, which occur for everyone. Offering explanations about a problem that imply that the problem is temporary, and specific to certain situations gives children hope. Tasks take effort, practice and perseverance, and setbacks can be used as opportunities to teach children to face challenges and experience achievement.

• Tell children the truth; be realistic with what they can achieve at their age.
  
  "Reading is a hard subject in first grade. When I was in first grade reading was difficult."
  
  
• Try not to take over the child's project; it's ok to let children try and not succeed. Giving children a choice can empower them.
  
  "This book is more difficult than some of the others. Let's read a little at a time. Do you want to read this book first, or this one?"
  
  
• Interpret setbacks in a positive way; this can teach perseverance.
  
  "Reading is sometimes challenging." vs. "Everything is challenging."
  (a setback described as a temporary problem specific to one task can give child hope)
  
  
• Encourage effort; give praise for your child's perseverance.
  
  "You must be really proud of yourself for sticking with that book and reading the first few pages. What a great job!"
  
  
• Empathize with what your child may be feeling/needing.
  
  "It seems you are feeling really frustrated with this project. Do you need to take a break?"
  
  
• Try to determine what thoughts or feelings are getting in the way of your child being optimistic.