Privileging Positive Emotions Promotes Children's Connection

The Power of Connection

When I was a child, I remember feeling most secure and happy when I was surrounded by people who loved me. Whether I was having a bad day or experiencing a moment of triumph, having someone to share it with made all the difference. As an adult, I have come to appreciate the power of connection even more. And as a parent, I want to do everything I can to help my children experience that same joy and security.

But how do we do that?

According to research, one way we can promote children's connection is by privileging positive emotions. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that when parents intentionally focus on positive emotions during interactions with their children, it can have a significant impact on their relationship.

In the study, children ages 8-12 were randomly assigned to a positive emotion condition or a neutral condition. During the sessions, parents in the positive emotion condition were prompted to discuss positive experiences with their children, to use positive words and expressions, and to exhibit warm and positive behaviors.

After the sessions were completed, the children in the positive emotion condition reported feeling more positive emotions and greater connection with their parents compared to the children in the neutral condition.

Furthermore, the positive emotion condition had enduring effects. A follow-up assessment three months later found that the children in the positive emotion condition reported greater overall well-being and fewer emotional and behavioral problems.

This study provides quantifiable evidence that privileging positive emotions can promote children's connection and overall well-being.

The Power of Privileging Positive Emotions

The power of privileging positive emotions is clear. By intentionally focusing on positive experiences, using positive words and expressions, and exhibiting warm and positive behaviors, we can promote connection and well-being in our children. This approach can have lasting effects and lay the foundation for healthy relationships in the future.

Conclusion in Three Points:

Privileging positive emotions promotes connection and overall well-being in children
Intentionally focusing on positive experiences, using positive words and expressions, and exhibiting warm and positive behaviors can achieve this effect
These practices can have enduring effects and lay the foundation for healthy relationships in the future

Practical Tips

Here are some practical tips for privileging positive emotions with your children:

Regularly discuss positive experiences with your children
Use positive words and expressions when speaking to your children (e.g. "That's amazing!" instead of "Good job.")
Exhibit warm and positive behaviors (e.g. hugs, smiles, high-fives)
Encourage your children to express their emotions in positive ways
Acknowledge and validate your children's emotions, even when they are negative

Reference

Journal of Positive Psychology

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