How to Teach Children About Hope

Teach children to hope for a brighter future.

Hope is a belief that it is possible to get what you want out of life and that regardless of the challenges you face, that things will turn out for the best. It is relatively easy to teach children about hope at a young age, because of their natural belief that the world is theirs for the taking. It may be more difficult to teach an older child about hope, especially if he is surrounded by negativity and anxiety. Hope for a brighter future includes setting goals and taking action to accomplish them.

Instructions

1. Teach children about hope by setting a good example. A child learns by watching her parents and other influential adults in her life. If her parents are constantly fearful and worried about the future, chances are she will grow up the same way. As an adult, you should learn about and practice hope in your own life.

2. Ask your child to think of what his life would be like if he could have anything that he wanted. Have him explain it to you in detail, or better yet have him write it down in explicit detail. Let him know that he can have anything he desires if he is willing to work for it.

3. Read inspirational stories of hope to children such as "The Little Engine that Could." Include true stories of successful people who have overcome great obstacles such as Albert Einstein, Mozart and Abraham Lincoln.

4. Help children set goals that are realistic, but that they do not have a 100 percent chance of accomplishing. For example, getting all A's on her report card or saving up enough money to buy a video game. In the beginning, avoid goals that are too challenging or have a low chance of achievement.

5. Assist the child in setting up an action plan to achieve the goal he set for himself. Brainstorm with him, but do not tell him how to do it. This encourages creative thinking on his part. He will be motivated towards success when he comes up on an action plan based on his own ideas and thoughts.

6. Tell your child that there will be challenges and setbacks along the way. Let her know that as long as she continues to hope and strive towards her goals that a majority of her desires will come to pass. Explain that the only failure is the one who quits, and if one way does not work then try another.

7. Keep your child motivated by encouraging him and telling him that you believe he can do it.

References

• University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center: Teaching Hope