There are some who believe, “everything happens for a reason.”
People who believe this, and view the world from an optimistic perspective, often find good reasons for bad happenings.
There are some who believe that we control the way things happen. We make things happen for certain reasons.
People who believe this, and view the world from an optimistic perspective, believe that we have good reasons for making things happen.
Regardless of your beliefs, this I know to be true --- looking at the world optimistically is good.
Not to minimize the pain we feel when hard things happen, but to believe we can at least attempt to find good, or use the experience for good, is a quality to be admired and one we can teach to our children.
Daily, the news talks of the economy, recession, the price of gas, and how we all need to purchase less and save more. My son has come to me concerned, “Should we really drive there mom? Won’t that cost too much because of the gas?”
Some would say that our children don’t need to worry and be bothered about the rising cost of gas and the nation’s economy. Let kids stay innocent to the happenings of the world.
But for those who look at the world, optimistically, this can be an opportunity.
Ease your child’s worries by giving them positive reasons for this time of economic struggle. Help them to see the good in this experience.
The way to begin is to recognize the good ourselves. Many of the sacrafices that we may make in order to save money and resources also bring joy.
Here are some examples:
Having less money fosters more family meal times - less eating out, more staying home.
Alternative transportation can provide more exercise- less couch potatoes, more riding of bikes and walking instead of driving.
Do it together!
Gardening -- another way to connect with your children and save some money!
Take time to get back to the simpler things and reassess your priorities.
Although we all may have to give up a little, we can gain so much!!
Sharing these positive thoughts with our children, we might find the things we thought were going to be awful ended up being great.
I always loved the saying,"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!"
