Making the best of 2021: 5 Top Tips for Success

By using these tips and turning them into daily positive habits you will begin to see the benefits of small changes that, in turn, can have a huge impact. Each of these can make a real difference to both you and your children’s happiness and confidence.

• Bring Out Your Inner Child

  The adage that the world is a better place through the eyes of a child is so true. Children under five see more wonder, less negativity, are more hopeful, and have greater self-belief. As new parents, we see the world through our baby’s eyes, we play and roll about with them on the floor and come down to their level. We have fun together, teaching them, nurturing them and learning together. We are so connected because we have pulled our inner child to the fore, enabling us to play, to have fun and to see delight.

  Unfortunately as our children grow older, we tend to repress our inner child, largely due to all the demands and responsibilities of our lives at this stage. The reality is that the best way to be happier, and also to better connect with our children, is to continue to listen to, and be driven by, our inner child. Maintaining this connection, keeping the fun, curiosity and vulnerability of our inner child alive. We need to trust that we are being true to ourselves and to become more confident in our actions.

• Instil a Positive Morning Routine

  Our brains are better able to process intentions and positive things as soon as we wake up, so it’s important to begin on a positive note to set you up for the day ahead. A simple and powerful morning routine that slots in ahead of daily tasks will make all the difference. It doesn’t need to take long, but the regularity is key. Resolving to start the day well, every day, will give you and your family more that you could imagine. Here are some simple ideas:

  • Take time for positive affirmations and setting a few intentions/goals for the day. In setting these intentions daily, we are also more likely to achieve them, and at the end of the day, not only have a greater level of positivity, but also confidence in our ability to succeed. Don’t over think these - they can be as simple as wanting to spend 15 minutes of quality time with your child, calling someone you haven’t spoken to for a while or even expressing more gratitude to others. This exercise can be done alone, or with your other family members, each setting out intentions and sharing your successes with each other in the evening.
  • Try listening to some feel-good music or do a quick meditation, whatever works best for you.
  • Do some fun exercises with your children, like jumping jacks, to get the positive energy flowing and increasing the likelihood that they will get on with their morning routine.
• Connect at a Deeper Level and Share More

  We need to connect at a deeper level with those we love and to build stronger emotional connections than ever before. Make time to share feelings and emotions, and talk about the things that have gone well each day/week, whether at work, or at home. Use empathy to strengthen this connection. Start trying to examine the challenges, fears and worries that your children may feel by putting yourself in their shoes; tap into your inner child, try and visualise yourself in that position. Rather than trying to fix their problems, support their concerns. Help them feel validated.

• Focus on Things That Matter

  Stop worrying about the little things, instead opting for a ‘big picture’ approach. A good way to check whether something really matters or not, is to put things in perspective by asking yourself: “Will this matter in 1 year?”. If not, try to let it go by focusing on something more positive!

• End the Day on a Positive

  A number of scientific studies have proven that by ending the day writing down and reflecting on three things that you are grateful for, or that have gone well, you will reap the benefits of a positive emotional impact. You’ll have greater optimism, be more satisfied with your life, be happier, and it will help you sleep better. No matter how big or small, it all counts – it can be as simple as the weather or the food you ate!

  Help your children get into this habit early in life too. A notebook, diary or journal is a great way for children of all ages to record their daily achievements or feelings. This colourful journal (aimed at primary aged children) offers a great incentive for younger children to want to do it at the end of each day. Daily journaling is also a great way to connect with your children, by providing a great time for them to confide in you by sharing their feelings, and their successes as well as their challenges.

So, look after yourself, and those around you - just one small daily habit can make all the difference.

Bright Horizons families can get a 15% discount on products to develop children’s happiness and resilience, such as Daily Journals, Feelings and Affirmations card games and online courses. Go to www.happyconfident.com and use coupon BH15 at checkout.