Page 24 - Education February 2022 final_Neat

Managing emotions Positive affirmations

Emotional Intelligence refers to the capacity to experience, learn from, These are usually short positive phrases or statements used to challenge
and manage emotions, without labeling them as good or bad. As negative or unhelpful thoughts. Useful affirmations may include
parents we can help foster emotional intelligence skills in children, by statements such as, “I am good at solving problems”, or “I am loved”,
encouraging them to express their feelings, without judgement, and or “I like to learn new things” or any other positive phrase. Research
empathizing with their perspective. For example, giving a patient and suggests that repeating positive affirmations daily helps to build self-
sympathetic ear to a child disappointed due to a cancelled play date, esteem, and motivation to make positive changes, thereby reinforcing a
rather than sermonizing or trying to distract them with something else, growth mindset.
goes a long way in strengthening the emotion management skills of the
child, thereby building emotional resilience.

Developing social
Daily gratitude practices identity

These include practices such as maintaining a gratitude journal or ending This aspect of wellbeing has probably been affected the most during
the day with a thanksgiving ritual. Scientific research on gratitude the pandemic. Childhood is an opportunity for kids to develop a social
has demonstrated that focusing on what we have, enhances positive identity, which is how they perceive their various roles in society in
emotions thereby sustaining happiness and good relationships, by relation to others. A child could identify themselves through their culture,
countering the habituation associated with taking things for granted. ethnicity, achievements, or beliefs. Being a part of social groups with
Further, gratitude provides moral reinforcement towards prosocial common identities endows children with a sense of self-worth, and
behaviours, such as kindness and forgiveness. consistency leading to enhanced wellbeing.

Demonstrating
Savouring practices sensitivity and openness

Include things such as paying attention to nature or, creating rituals Living in a multi-cultural society such as Qatar, allows us to closely
where the entire family does something together. To savour nature, you witness diverse cultures and beliefs. It is crucial to the wellbeing of our
may intentionally pause and take the time to notice the environment – children to have a balanced and accepting outlook towards people
the numerous shades of green and tiny fine patterns on a delicate leaf, or who look and do things differently from us, rather than taking a harsh
the changing shapes of clouds. Creating family rituals where you are fully and judgmental attitude towards those who are dissimilar. An open and
present without your devices, even if it for a brief fifteen minutes can go gracious mindset allows for self-growth and healthier relationships.
a long way in creating memories and positive emotions. These activities
not only build a positive mood, but also boost attentional skills and life
satisfaction in children.

Use of signature Maintaing health
character strengths boundaries

Character strengths are ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving, that To enable children to maintain healthy relationships parents must
reflect the personal identity of a child, for example, leadership, creativity, encourage them to maintain a harmony between positive friendships
bravery, humor etc. Social scientists have created a list of twenty- and respecting another child’s space or beliefs. Being aware of personal
four universally valued strengths. Your child can take a free survey to needs and wants and communicating them appropriately, such as
discover their top strengths or signature strengths and then find ways learning to say No, and accept a No, when the circumstances warrant it,
to incorporate them in their daily lives and future careers. This activity helps build self-awareness, self-esteem, and compassion in children.
brings out the uniqueness of each child and boosts their self-confidence
by demonstrating what they can do well. It is also an opportunity for
parents to recognize the weaker strengths of their children and not push
them in wrong direction.

Adopting a growth Practice what you
mindset preach

A growth mindset is an approach to life in which an individual believes The best gift a parent can give their child is to embody these wellbeing
that their abilities, talents, and intelligence can be developed further. enhancing activities and make their practice, a part of their own
People with a growth mindset pursue opportunities that not only daily routines. A parent that is visibly in charge of their mind and
enhance their existing skills, but also allow them to learn new skills. body, maintains healthy relationships and boundaries, and strives for
Hence, when presented with a challenge, they see it as a growth meaningful work while also contributing to society, sets the tone for their
opportunity. In our daily lives we can encourage children to use phrases child to follow suit. Activities such as savouring, and gratitude are best
like, “I cannot do this YET”, or “I am working on building this skill”, accomplished as a family and continue to live on as precious memories
rather than “I can’t do this.” Having a growth mindset, allows children to in your child’s mind.
navigate stress and challenges better and can lead to higher levels of
wellbeing.
Parul Kochak has been engaged in spreading awareness about the science of
wellbeing, yoga, and mindfulness practices in Qatar for more than four years
now. For information on upcoming programmes with Parul, you can follow her
on Instagram: @mindfulyogaqatar

24 EDUCATION
DURING THE PANDEMIC