Positive Thoughts = Positive Kids
Welcome! If you are someone who believes that the thoughts you think affect the way you feel, you're right. In my work with clients, I use cognitive behavioral techniques, which focus on self-talk and the cognitive restructuring of our thoughts so we can feel good about ourselves and enjoy the success we deserve. Recognizing that our thoughts lead to our feelings, which then lead to the behaviors we execute, it is essential that we teach our kids to instill positive can-do thoughts in their minds. For example, if your child is having difficulty reading, by creating mantras or positive affirmations/self-talk, such as "I am a good reader," and saying these affirmations 3 times before they tackle that challenging paragraph, you are helping them to gain confidence in their abilities to succeed. This leads to positive feelings. This is also effective for sports. By stating affirmations such as, "I hit for power," or "I score with ease," kids affirm the outcome they desire in their sport of choice. By repeating these thoughts over and over in their minds, their body responds to what their brain is thinking. It might feel silly at first, but once you and your child get the hang of it, it is a recipe for success. This tool teaches our children control and choice: If I believe I can succeed, then I will. You can write these statements down or say them aloud, several times a day. Try it, it works! Self-talk is an effective way to combat negativity and anxiety that we all feel at certain times. If we teach our children these empowerment behaviors when they are young, it becomes a life skill they always have with them. When we employ these techniques ourselves and role model this behavior for our children, it is even more effective. Monkey see, monkey do. On a final note, when we think positively, it is impossible for negative thoughts to exist in our minds at the same time.
I welcome comments on the content of my newsletter, as this is my first! If there are sections and/or articles you would like information on in future monthly newsletters, please let me know and I will do my best to address them. Next month, I will be focusing on relaxation techniques for parents and their children around issues of hyperactivity and distraction.
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Thank you for reading.
Happy August!
Laurie McAnaugh is a National Speaker who guides individuals to look at the situations and relationships in their lives from a healthier viewpoint. 
Joanna Silverman is an educator, holistic health counselor and mother. Her business, Nourishing the Peas and the Pod, offers a service to parents that supports mothers in nutritional couseling for their children and families.