Using a powerful visualization tool to help children shift their mindset can help them to brush off the bad, and hold onto the good. Pediatric expert and author of The Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to be Happy, Healthy, and Confident,Dr. Ran D. Anbar M.D., suggests encouraging kids to picture two imaginary tin boxes they can choose to carry each day, and every day they get to choose one or the other to carry with them. One box holds positive memories—a fun trip, a kind note or a funny magnet—while the other contains painful reminders like a bad grade or an unkind message.Most of the time, our days are made up of both positive and negative experiences. But when your child chooses to carry an imagined "happy-feelings box," they’ll find themselves looking for good things to fill it. "The way the mind works is a little like what happens with these boxes," says Dr. Anbar. "Every day, your child can choose a mood and then their mind gets to work finding ways to support that feeling."Related: A Clinical Psychologist Is Begging Parents and Grandparents To Stop Making This Punishment Mistake
2. Have a gratitude attitude
Helping kids understand that happiness comes from within gives them emotional agency. By focusing on what they can control—like their thoughts, words and actions—they take ownership of their emotional experience."Teach your child that they are responsible for what they do, what they say and how they feel," says Dr. Anbar. "When they’re thinking about what makes them happy, they should focus on statements that start with 'I' and involve actions under their control." It’s an empowering shift that builds confidence and resilience.Related: 5 Phrases a Child Psychologist Is Begging Parents and Grandparents To Stop Saying
4. Meditate for a mood boost
Never underestimate the power of a nap or a snack. "People who are overtired or hungry are much less likely to be happy than those who are rested and fed," says Dr. Anbar. When kids are physically taken care of, they’re more emotionally resilient and better able to cope with whatever the day brings. Sometimes we forget that something as simple as a nap or a healthy sandwich can make everything in the world seem a little better. And that's true for parents and grandparents too!
6. Use all the senses
This hands-on activity involves creating a physical version of the "happy box" filled with items that appeal to each of the senses. It should include something for each of the senses: a photo, a soft stuffed animal, lavender to smell, a piece of candy or even a keepsake with personal meaning. "Opening the box can give them a dose of happiness anytime—and so can just thinking about it," says Dr. Anbar.Related: Child Psychologists Are Begging Parents and Grandparents to Never Turn a Blind Eye to These 12 Behaviors
8. Believe in something bigger
Understanding how the brain works can empower kids to boost their own happiness - naturally. "The body and brain work together to allow people to experience happiness," says Dr. Anbar, who points to four key "feel-good" chemicals: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins. The best part? There are simple ways to encourage the release of each, including a few easy, science-backed strategies, including:
Try Something New: Taking on a fun new challenge—such as baking, hiking or learning a new skill—can release dopamine, the pleasure hormone.Be Kind: Acts of kindness create feelings of connection and boost oxytocin, which fosters calmness and contentment.Hug It Out: Physical affection, whether with a friend, family member or even a pet, increases oxytocin and reinforces emotional bonds.Soak in Sunshine: Natural light prompts the body to produce serotonin, which helps regulate mood. Outdoor time (especially in the sun) is an instant pick-me-up.Get Moving: Exercise of any kind (think yoga, jumping jacks or dancing) triggers endorphins and contributes to a feel-good hormone cocktail.10. Accept children as they are
11. Be present
Being fully engaged in the moment is a key ingredient to raising happy kids. Dr. Anbar recommends practicing this by identifying and helping your child learn from a past mistake and then simply... letting it go. Instead of fixating on what went wrong, or worrying aloud about what might happen next, encourage your child to focus on what they can control right now. Remind them that you believe in their ability to make good choices and handle whatever comes their way.Up Next:
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Dr. Ran D. Anbar M.D. is a pediatric expert and author of the book The Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to be Happy, Healthy, and Confident. Read More Details
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