Cultivating Hope in Our Children

Did you know that hope is a state of mind rather than an emotion? Since it’s a way of thinking and a state of being, it can be learned. Yes, a “can-do” attitude that expects success can be learned! With that in mind, let’s teach it to our kids!

Hope involves 3 parts - setting goals, maintaining the willpower to stay motivated even when you experience setbacks, and trusting that there are pathways to obtain your goals (both internally and externally).

Let’s look at these 3 parts using a simple example that most of us and our kids experience – the hope of riding a bike.

Goal: Your child wants to learn to ride a bike.

Willpower to Stay Motivated: Your child sees you, his friends, and siblings riding bikes. He’s heard you all say you fell and struggled when you started, but with enough practice, you all eventually stayed up. He wants to show you he can do it too.

Trust in Pathways to Obtain: Your child asks you to help. You discuss how you learned, give him tips, and put together a plan. He trusts that you will teach him and practice with him and that he can do it.

With this hope, your child will have that one moment when it all comes together, and “it’s just like riding a bike” becomes his reality!

When you look at hope through the above scenario, it seems so simple, doesn’t it? The good news, as I mentioned above, is that hope can be learned. To further motivate us to share this important skill with our kids, let’s take a look at some of the fantastic health benefits it brings!

7 Health Benefits of Hope

The physical, emotional, and social benefits of being hopeful are amazing. Here are just some:

1. Resilience Amid Challenges: Hopeful individuals are more likely to view difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than as threats.
2. Reduced Anxiety and Depression: By seeing setbacks as opportunities, hopeful people experience less stress and drain from their problems, which can help fight anxiety and depression.
3. Enhanced Physical Health: Lower stress levels can strengthen your immune system. In addition, hopeful people are more likely to think of specific pathways to move through and tackle chronic illnesses or pain.
4. Adoption of Positive Habits: Hope boosts your ability to reframe thoughts and form new habits. For instance, the hope of spending time with your grandchildren can transform your outlook on life and motivate you to prioritize your health.
5. Stimulated Imagination: Developing pathways to achieve your goals naturally builds your creativity as you envision future possibilities.
6. Reduced Loneliness: Experiencing more positive emotions can help you develop stronger relationships with others.
7. Positive Impact on Community. Hopeful people are more likely to engage in proactive behaviors that can contribute positively to their communities.

7 Ways to Cultivate Hope in Yourself and Your Kids

As you can see, hope isn’t a passing wish; it’s a proactive mindset and a skill you can develop. Here are 7 ways to nurture and cultivate it in yourself and your kids:

1. Set Clear Goals and Create Action Plans: Learn how to define your goals and outline the steps needed to achieve them. It’s ok to start small!
2. Be Prepared for Roadblocks: Life is full of them, so be ready for challenges that may come your way.
3. View Problems as Opportunities: Practice shifting how you view your roadblocks. Instead of obstacles, they become chances to learn and grow.
4. Focus on the Positives: Make a conscious effort to notice and appreciate the good things around you.
5. Involve Others in Your Goals: Share your ambitions with friends and family to strengthen your resolve and create opportunities for conversations about shared goals.
6. Reflect on Your Past Successes: Take time to think about what you’ve accomplished in the past to inspire your current journey.
7. Celebrate Your Achievements: Remember to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your current successes, no matter how big or small!

The health advantages of hope are remarkable, impacting everything from emotional resilience to physical health and social connections. As we nurture this mindset in ourselves and our kids, we create a ripple effect that enhances our lives and strengthens our communities.

More information about the benefits of hope and how to cultivate it:

Hope brings happiness, builds grit and gives life meaning. Here’s how to cultivate it by The Conversation

Hope as the antidote by American Psychological Association

The Health Benefits of Hope by Psychology Today

Hope: Why it matters by Harvard Health Publishing

Why Is Hope So Important? by PsychCentral