The optimistic view of the world around us is nothing new. For some,
it is easier to look at the bright side than it is for others. Negative
events in the past may cause a family member to have a negative outlook
which can trickle down to the children in the household and thus, have
many long-term effects.
"An optimistic attitude in a parent can be modeled by a child," says
Dr. Rochelle Harris, clinical psychologist, Developmental and
Behavioral Sciences at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. "Kids do
a lot of observing of parents. By watching how parents cope – kids will
do the same themselves."
How parents react in certain instances can also affect on your
child’s outlook, be it "positive" or "negative".
"When your child brings home a bad grade, if you are optimistic, you
tell your child to work on it, or you will work with them to bring the
grade up. That will have a more positive outcome with the child," says
Dr. Harris. "If you are pessimistic, you tell the child he or she is a
failure, and that could have many long-term effects and, affect the
child’s self-esteem."
If a child is around pessimism regularly, the child will be easily
discouraged, and will not take failures well.
"It is important to be optimistic with your child, help them to
think of the positives in a difficult situation," says Dr. Harris. "If
the child always look at the positive angle of life, they will be a lot
happier in the long run."
Following are some possible effects of pessimism in children.
- Depression
- Less occupational success
- Difficulty accepting failures
- Easily discouraged and non-motivated
- Reluctance to try new ventures.
"It is important to remember, if there are negative things going on
in your life right now, evaluate the situation, be optimistic and try,
try again. It will get better and things will go your way," says Dr.
Harris.
