How can you develop a positive attitude? 

The following 9 steps have been useful to many people, so give them a try. However, talk to your family doctor if you need more help.

Begin with some Basics:

1. First, look at the bright side of life and choose to be happy. Yes, it is a choice that we have! Choose to be with happy people and choose to be happy.
2. Smile more! There have been studies that tell us that smiling is contagious. What makes you smile? Just look around at all the good things that you find!
3. Believe in yourself. Have faith in yourself. Read inspirational stories.  Some people save inspirational quotes and repeat them throughout the day.
4. Focus your thoughts on the goals that you have for your family. Visualize your goals and think about them so that you can make plans.

1. Next, try singing throughout the day is another way to engage children and lift your spirits. Listen to happy music. Invite your children to sing with you. Great-grandma taught songs to the children in the family. Long ago there were long days filled with labor intensive work. Singing and talking lightened their loads and that strategy can lift our spirits. Her songs taught children how to remember recipes or the way to do jobs. You may remember this song, “This is the way we wash our clothes.” It’s also known as ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”.

Use Great Grandmother’s strategies:

1.  Begin with refreshing your memory by viewingthis song on YouTube. You can use the same melody with your children, just change the words. Example: This is the way we make the bed .. or brush our teeth, set the table, etc. Older children can make up lyrics for younger children. Music is an enjoyable way to engage children in a positive way and can uplift your spirits and the spirits of your family.
2. Play uplifting and calming music when children are playing, doing fun artwork, etc. You can also use the opportunity to share a few facts about the music and composers etc. Try to arrange a variety of music so that the songs don’t get too repetitive.

Help your family notice and recognize others:

1. Post positive notes from teachers or relatives where children can see them. Have children write notes of appreciation etc., to friends or relatives. No special occasion is necessary to send a note to grandma or grandpa or other relatives. Messages from children are always cherished.
2. Recognize the accomplishments and thoughtfulness of each person in your family. Share the information with adults and children in your family.

Finally, don’t forget to include this step: