Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

2025-10-11

Treat a Negative Outlook in Positive Ways

Some children seem to be born in a bad mood. As babies, they fuss about everything. And, researchers say, that negative outlook may not change much as they grow.

You may not be able to change your child's personality. But you can respond to it in positive ways.

Here are some tips:

Accept your child. Telling a serious or worried child constantly to "cheer up" and "relax" can provoke unhappiness. Your child is not negative on purpose.
Don't offer more attention when your child is negative than when things are going well. That teaches kids to use negative behavior as a tool for getting parent's attention.
Listen to complaints—up to a point. Your child needs to be able to express honest feelings and feel heard and understood. But constant repetition won't help.
Change the topic when complaining goes on and on. Ask a question about something your child feels positive about.
Focus on your child's positive traits. Keep what you like about your child in mind.

Brought to you by:

West Point Consolidated School District