During their growth and development, children go through many stages of self-doubt. They are always comparing themselves to others, and they often see themselves as coming up short. As parents, we can offset this natural tendency in our children by giving them the skills to think more positively. It is important that you really listen to your children, and help them overcome their negative thoughts and beliefs. This is, of course, easier to do if you practice positive thinking yourself.

Our world is so full of negative feedback. We need to arm our children with a positive attitude, so that they can stay focused in the right direction. Let's look at some typical negative statements from children, along with some positive responses from their wise parents:

I can't do it.

Take your time and try again. I have confidence in you.

Heather hates me.

Sounds like you're feeling rejected by Heather, and that must hurt. I know you want Heather to like you. Remember that you're a very lovable kid and a terrific person, no matter what Heather, or anyone else, says or does. And, you know, she may have a problem that has nothing to do with you.

I'm just no good in history.

You've brought up Cs before-I know you can do it again. Besides that, honey, nobody is good at everything. And look at this A in math, you've always done well with numbers!

I'm so clumsy.

I'll never learn to rollerblade! It's tough learning something new. Remember when you first tried to ski, how hard it was? But you stuck with it, and now you're really good at skiing.

There is real value in discussing positive thinking and self-esteem with your children on a regular basis. Sadly, these subjects are not yet included in the school curriculum. There are good books written for children, as well as adults, which demonstrate the use of positive thinking. Reading a book together is a good launching pad for starting a conversation. Pointing out p ositive versus negative attitudes from news stories or life stories is an excellent way of showing your children just how this all works in real life, too.

Modeling a positive attitude is one of the most effective ways of teaching your children. Children learn what they live. So start presenting your thoughts in a positive way, Oh well, I burned the dinner-guess that means we get to eat cereal for dinner!

Parents always hope that their children will have a positive outlook on life, but most often how this happens is left to chance. When you take this matter into your hands, and look for ways to guide your children's thoughts in a positive direction, you will see very exciting results.

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Self-Directed Home Schooling
by Lisa Rivero
author of "Creative Homeschooling for Gifted Children"
There are nearly as many definitions of unschooling as there are people who consider themselves unschoolers. Lisa Rivero, author of Creative Homeschooling for Gifted Children, says: "I prefer to use the phrase self-directed learning or self-directed home schooling to unschooling as a way to describe our home schooling approach, because it is a more positive description of what actually occurs." In this adapted excerpt from her book, she describes how self-directed learning is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the child's role as an active learner. She shows how parents can introduce self-directed learning to their children by giving their children input into the content of study, materials used for study, and the pace of study.

How to Nurture Compassion
in Your Special Child's World"
excerpted from "Special Kids Need Special Parents"
A resource for Parents of Children With Special Needs
by Judy Lavin
With 20 million plus families in the United States having a child with special needs, more children with challenges are being mainstreamed into America's public schools. Unfortunately, too often those without special needs feel uncomfortable around a classmate who seems out-of-sync. What's more, they can translate their discomfort into ugly behaviors, such as verbally demeaning or physically hurting the individual with differences. Helping youngsters become more sensitive is always important. Here are some specific ways to make kids feel more comfortable.

The Discipline Book
by William & Martha Sears

The Baby Book
by William & Martha Sears

The Successful Child: What Parents Can Do to Help Kids Turn Out Well
by William Sears, Martha Sears, Elizabeth Pantley

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