Projecting Positive Energy

Feb 7, 2025 | Parents, Social & Emotional

Parents with their kid stretching in a brightly lit room

So much of what parents say and do and how we act affects our kids. Even the energy we project has an effect. While it’s impossible to be positive all of the time, being conscious of how your own mood projects onto your kids can make an impact on their thoughts and emotions.

Here are some approaches for creating positive changes.

Fun illustrations such as a parent stretching, sun rays, sound waves, and speech bubbles, demonstrating how your mood can effect your kids.

You can download this resource HERE.

Put Your Energy First

It’s hard to project positivity when you’re not feeling positive. And it can be hard to find time as a busy parent to rest and recharge just for yourself. But it’s really important. You can’t pour from an empty cup.Try these super simple suggestions:

  • Take a 15 minute walk on your own.
  • Add a daily morning ritual, like waking up a little early to have a cup of tea.
  • While your kids are engaged in their activities, do some stretching or other physical activity to get your body moving.

Create Calm Environments

The spaces in which we spend our time can affect mood and behavior. The home should absolutely be a welcoming place to live and play. At the same time, it can invite calm and positivity.

  • Let in natural light and fresh air when you can.
  • Add houseplants to different rooms.
  • Declutter whenever possible. Your kids can help pick up and put away!

Practice Tone Check-Ins

Sometimes the way we sound doesn’t match what we mean to say. Or sometimes we can say one thing but the words “come out wrong” and don’t reflect what we mean. When this happens:

  • Apologize and start over! It’s good for kids to know that even parents make mistakes and everyone gets a second chance.
    • “I’m sorry that sounded grumpy! I’m still a little tired. Let me try again. Can you please go get your shoes? I can help put them on if you need me.”
  • Try rephrasing. You’ll be surprised by how much adding a simple “Good morning!” to your usual “Time to get up!” helps set up the day in a positive way.

Speak Positively About Yourself & Others

Your kids are always watching you and listening to you. You’re their role model. If you speak negatively about yourself, that’s what they hear and how they learn to think of themselves. It’s the same for talking about others.

  • Make a conscious effort to avoid negative self-talk.
  • Try to always lead with kindness while speaking about others.
  • Don’t forget the positive difference you can make in your kids’ self-perception!