Did you know that...

• Optimism is a skill that all children can learn.
• Optimism helps children solve problems, set goals, build confidence and find ways around obstacles.
• The more Optimism is practiced the easier it becomes.
• Optimism leads to greater happiness and well-being.
• Parents and teachers can help children learn the skills of Optimism.
• Children who are Optimistic:
  • Have greater motivation, greater resilience, more positive moods, higher achievement and a greater sense of control
  • Perform better in school
  • Have better overall physical health
  • Have better relationships.
• Children who are pessimistic may:
  • Be more likely to become depressed
  • Be more likely to experience anxiety
  • Be underachievers
  • Not do as well in school
  • Be at higher risk for a variety of other negative outcomes.

Source: Reivich, K., J.E. Gillham, T.M. Chaplin, & M.E.P. Seligman, from "Helplessness to Optimism: The Role of Resilience in Treating and Preventing Depression in Youth" (2005) in S. Goldstein & R.B. Brooks (Eds.), Handbook of Resilience in Children (pp 223-237). New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.