Help Your Child to Unleash Her Hidden Mental Strength
It can be hard to tell how strong your child is mentally when life is running along smoothly. However, when she encounters a major event like divorce or death in the family, she’ll need to be as mentally tough as possible.
Prepare your child for whatever lies ahead. He can do almost anything if you are supporting him and he has mental toughness. Try these tips for increasing your child’s stamina and forging that mental toughness.
Major Elements of Mental Strength
Mental strength manifests differently depending on our individual personalities. Still, there are some fundamental qualities each child can tap into.
1) Practice mindfulness.
Teach your child to manage her feelings and thoughts. Being aware of what is going on in her head can help her make sound decisions.
Challenge faulty beliefs and develop more constructive ways of coping.
Ask what she’s thinking and what she believes, then show her how to reason and research these ideas to see if they are faulty or valid.
2) Be conscientious.
Teach your child to remain true to your family core values and principles. Show her that you take your responsibilities to others seriously, and follow through on your plans and that your word is good.
3) Develop patience.
Teach your child to bear with annoyances and delays. Show him that patience doesn’t make him a doormat, patience gives him the ability to stay calm and choose his actions with inner clarity. Teach him to slow down and think through his options.
4) Remain flexible.
Teach your child that being open to change allows you to adjust your thinking and adapt to new circumstances.
Reframe your attitude so you see opportunities instead of disruptions.
Show him how you appreciate the rewards of being innovative and resilient.
5) Live authentically.
Show your child how to identify what really matters to her. Teach her to understand her strengths and celebrate her unique gifts.
Positive Habits That Build Mental Strength
Mental strength be learned. With practice and determination, you can train your mind to hold up under pressure. Mental Strength is an important quality for our children to know. Here are some habits for you and your child.
1) Delay gratification.
A famous study showed that children who could resist eating one treat now in order to receive two treats later performed better in school and enjoyed more success in later life. Good things are worth waiting for.
2) Accept discomfort.
Giving in to frustration intensifies unpleasant feelings. Children face a lot of frustration and learning to deal with it puts them on firm mental ground.
Let go of your resistance and experience the relief that comes with facing reality.
3) Focus on your priorities.
Your child has strong mental powers, but it’s still important to channel them efficiently. Show him how to devote your time and energy to activities that are meaningful and fulling for you.
4) Find inner motivation.
It’s easier for your child to work hard when she’s doing it for reasons that interest and motivate her instead of trying to please others. She might want to pack her own lunch and save up the lunch money for something she really wants for herself like an Ipad. She may work at letting her nails grow instead of biting them for a reward of a manicure. Doing something hard for yourself goes to prove that you can find the mental strength to achieve a goal.
5) Build your confidence.
High self-esteem and mental strength naturally go together. Show your child how to pursue goals that are realistic and ambitious. Surround him with family and friends who encourage him. Remind him how he succeeded in the past to motivate him now.
6) Condition your body.
Physical fitness strengthens your child’s mind as well as her muscles. Exercise with her on a regular basis and work activity into your daily routine. Eat nourishing whole foods that you can prepare together and go to bed on a consistent schedule.
7) Think positive.
You and your child can eliminate stress by looking on the bright side and using your self-talk to affirm your worth. Look for beauty in each day. Encourage your child to do the same. Show him that he deserves joy and love.
8) Hang in there.
Developing your mental strength is a lifelong project and teaching your child this skill a gift you give him. Expect some ups and downs. As long as you persevere, you will see results. Overcoming obstacles can be even more satisfying than scoring easy victories.
You can’t remove the challenges from your life or your child’s life, but you can respond to them in a way that makes both of you smarter and tougher. Build up your mental strength now so you’ll be ready to thrive under any conditions. Believe in yourself and use setbacks as stepping stones to greater happiness and success.
About the Author Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht.
A graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht., has her private practice in Milford, Indiana. She is certified in hypnotherapy by the Hypnotherapist's Union Local 472. Angie is the author of "Weight Loss Epiphany: The Workbook", "Charlie's Cuddly Animals for Little Geniuses" and "Weight Loss Hypnosis: Lose Weight with Hypnosis Scripts & Recordings". You can find out more about Angie and how to schedule private sessions by calling (574) 658-4686.
