As we WRAP (get it?!) up the year and embrace the festive spirit of December, this is the perfect opportunity to focus on Positivity, Engagement, and Meaning in Positive Psychology. This month, we are exploring how we can foster positivity into our everyday lives, nurture deeper connections with those around us, and reflect on what truly matters to us. It’s a time for spreading cheer, building meaningful relationships, and aligning with our core values.
So, how can we make the most of this season by embracing these topics? Here are some questions to reflect on:
- What are some ways that you can add joy to your everyday life?
- How can you be more present in the moment, fully engaged in your interactions and experiences?
- How can you look at your personal values and goals to see if they align with your sense of purpose?
These questions serve as a great starting point for bringing more positivity and meaning into our lives. Let’s take a look at how we’ve been exploring these concepts with children, teachers, and families, and how these practices can enrich our own lives.
Fostering Positive Relationships and Communication
Good communication is so important to any successful relationship, especially between parents and children. Building trust and openness with your child starts with one key element: listening. To truly understand and connect with them, we must be willing to listen actively—without giving commands, asking questions, or instructions. Instead, create space for them to share their thoughts and feelings.
During this month, we challenged families to spend just 20 minutes a day with their child in meaningful, undistracted conversation. This simple practice can help deepen connections, build trust, and enhance engagement between parents and children. When children feel heard and valued, they are more likely to engage openly and meaningfully.
Choosing Positive Actions and Building Healthy Habits
To continue fostering positivity, we discussed making positive choices with children. We read My Magical Choice by Becky Cummings, which encourages children to choose positive actions and reflects on how these choices contribute to their overall happiness and well-being.
In this spirit, we invited families to write Positive Notes to their children. These notes, filled with kind words, were hung on the walls of our classrooms, creating an atmosphere of positivity and encouragement. Not only did this activity foster joy, but it also helped build a culture of appreciation, kindness, and positive reinforcement.
Practicing Self-Compassion and Positive Self-Talk
Self-compassion is another essential aspect of building positivity, both for ourselves and in our relationships. We encouraged children to practice positive self-talk by creating “I Am” statements. Each child decorated a heart with their statements and then hung them on the walls of the classroom.
This is a practice that can be extended to adults as well. Try using positive affirmations in front of the mirror, on your way to work, or during your daily routines. By cultivating kindness toward yourself, you’ll build a deeper sense of self-worth and resilience.
Building Engagement Through Fun and Creativity
To build on engagement and stronger connections, we challenged the teachers to a bulletin board contest. The challenge was simple: involve every child in the classroom in the creation of a unique and engaging bulletin board.
This encouraged teamwork, creativity, and fun, all while fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose. We opened it up to the public and after much anticipation; the Owl classroom was the winner! All classrooms did an outstanding job and the true win was in how the activity brought everyone together and created lasting memories.
Aligning Actions with Purpose
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a great time to reflect on how our actions align with our values and sense of purpose. By focusing on positivity, engagement, and meaning, we can ensure that we’re living in alignment with what’s most important to us. Whether through positive communication, self-compassion, or creative engagement, we can find ways to bring more joy, connection, and purpose into our lives.
This December, let’s take the time to embrace these practices and share them with others. By spreading positivity and fostering deeper connections, we can make this month—and the year ahead—a meaningful and joyful experience for ourselves and those around us.
Happy Holidays from us to you and your family!
