Positive Psychology in Parenting

Positive psychology, an approach to mental health that focuses on the ways in which people thrive, has a number of applications. Not only is it useful in the treatment of mental health disorders, often helping people work through issues like depression without having to resort to medication, but it literally changes the way in which mental health specialists approach mental health and quality of life issues.

Now, positive psychology has impacted the approach moms and dads can take in parenting. There have been a number of studies which report that parenting decreases levels of happiness, particularly during the teen years, because of a feeling of a lack of control.

Using positive psychology to raise children can allow parents to empower children with a better sense of themselves, better control over their own lives, and more happiness. There are five areas of positive psychology that can be directly applied to a new approach to raising kids called positive parenting:

1. Signature strengths. Fostering a child’s signature strengths helps build self-esteem and gives you the opportunity to value your child’s uniqueness and individuality.

2. Control over space. Giving children the ability to control their own space, whether it’s a room, a play area, or a special corner of the home, gives them confidence and helps them learn about personal responsibility.

3. Empathy. Helping children understand how to empathize and teaching them to think of and give to others generates positive feelings. Even children from families with limited resources benefit from the power of philanthropy. Donating a toy or clothing, working with parents at a soup kitchen, or spending time with an elderly person who needs help can benefit the child’s perception of happiness and self worth.

4. Exercise. Daily exercise is one of the most powerful ways to increase the level of happiness in all people, and when instilled as a habit from a very young age, it is something that never leaves the child.

5. Positive thinking. Encouraging children to see the positive in experiences that they have can help them train their minds to be optimistic and positive throughout life.

Positive parenting allows parents to arm children with more than just a roof over their heads and food on the table. It allows parents to treat each day as an opportunity to help their children see the positive in every experience and truly provide a meaningful existence.

Shadra Bruce is a parenting expert and contributing writer to Mental Health News.