In "The Optimistic Child," psychologist Martin Seligman reveals the transformative power of cultivating optimism in children. Drawing on groundbreaking research, he outlines how a positive mindset can enhance resilience, boost academic performance, and improve emotional well-being. Through engaging anecdotes and practical strategies, Seligman empowers parents and educators to instill a sense of hope and agency in young minds. As he uncovers the science behind optimism, you’ll discover tools to combat negativity and nurture a brighter outlook. Dive into this enlightening journey and unlock the potential for happiness and success in the children you care about most!
By Martin Seligman
Published: 2011
"Your life is not a race."
A proven program to safeguard children against depression and build lifelong resilience. In The Optimistic Child, Dr. Martin Seligman offers parents, teachers, and coaches a well-validated program to prevent depression in children. In a thirty-year study, Seligman and his colleagues discovered the link between pessimism -- dwelling on the most catastrophic cause of any setback -- and depression. Seligman shows adults how to teach children the skills of optimism that can help them combat depression, achieve more on the playing field and at school, and improve their physical health. As Seligman states, 'Teaching children optimism is more, I realized, than just correcting pessimism . . . It is the creation of a positive strength, a sunny but solid future-mindedness that can be deployed throughout life -- not only to fight depression and to come back from failure, but also to be the foundation of success and vitality.' The Optimistic Child offers parents and teachers the tools developed by the author to teach children of all ages, life skills that transform helplessness into mastery and bolster self-esteem. Learning the skills of optimism not only reduces the risk of depression but boosts school performance, improves physical health, and provides children with the self-reliance they need as they approach the teenage years and beyond. 'A world of optimists is a bigger world, a world of more possibilities', says Seligman. Filled with practical advice and written in clear, helpful language, this book is an invaluable resource for caregivers who want to open up this world for their children.
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“Your life is not a race.”
The Optimistic Child
By Martin Seligman
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Martin Seligman is an esteemed psychologist, educator, and the founding figure of positive psychology, a movement that emphasizes human strengths and well-being. Born on August 12, 1942, he served as the president of the American Psychological Association and has authored several influential books, including "Authentic Happiness" and "Flourish." Seligman's research focuses on topics such as optimism, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning in life. Through his work, he has inspired both individuals and organizations to cultivate a more positive mindset and improve overall happiness. His contributions have reshaped the field of psychology, making it a more proactive discipline aimed at enhancing quality of life.
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