5 Ways to Develop an Abundance Mindset in Children
It wasn’t always a thing, but today the fields of psychology and spirituality openly address abundance mindsets and their opposite: lack, or scarcity mentality. However, for the current generation of adults, the abundance mindset is still a relatively new concept and may take practice. This is probably why the mindset is often overlooked as a vital part of children’s development. Nevertheless, to pass such a positive mentality on to our children is to give them the keys to a peaceful and fulfilled life.
The tricky thing is that lack mentalities tend to be buried within the subconscious. We may complain regularly about having to make ends meet (and similar) without recognising that an underlying limiting core belief is influencing our circumstances and emotions. Since this is unconscious, we run the risk of passing it onto our children – which may well be how we got ours in the first place!
What is an abundance mindset?
An abundance mindset describes the attitude that there is more than enough out there for everybody. This attitude helps you to master the art of expecting to always have enough, and can apply to anything; money, love, resources, time… whatever you need. You focus on what you do have, rather than what you don’t (scarcity mindset), and possibilities over limits.
When you expect something positive, you don’t block the creative powers required to achieve it. You feel fulfilled and confident in all that you have and are capable of having, since you believe in the power to create whatever you want. Furthermore, advocates of the ‘Law of Attraction’ will tell you that you are working with a universal force that manifests your expectations and beliefs.
5 tips for developing an abundance mindset in your child
1. Use careful language around them
If we want our children to have an abundance mindset, we will need to get to grips with our own beliefs about abundance. In particular, we need to become aware of how we convey our attitudes, both positive and negative, to our children.
Be careful not to complain when things don’t meet your expectations. Don’t highlight perceived lack, especially around money or resources. Always point out the positives, including what you are grateful for and how you (and they) are fortunate. Point out possibilities and encourage them to imagine what is possible.
2. Help them to keep a gratitude journal
Get them to focus on what they have by writing down whatever they are truly grateful for every day – ideally at least ten things. If they get stuck, help them to think of even simple things, like a smile from a friend, or their comfy bed.
3. Create vision boards together
Vision boards are a visual representation of desires and goals. They help children to focus on what they want in life, with images to support their imagination. They can draw or cut out images from magazines and stick them in scrapbooks, or on a piece of board.
Try to encourage them to focus on aspirations (like new friendships, summer adventures, educational books) so that it’s not solely filled with bikes, toys and games consoles! Get them to tick the pictures whenever they achieve or acquire an item on the board.
4. Encourage them to give and receive
Demonstrate that sharing is caring and leads to pleasant surprises, and that losing something doesn’t equate to lack. For example, you might get them to give away a toy they don’t use anymore, and later replace it with something new and exciting. Let them know that generosity usually comes back around, and that reciprocation makes the world go round.
5. Help them discover their hobbies, passions and purpose
Foster self-belief and confidence in the things they are good at and enjoy. Get them to try out fun activities like arts and crafts, and point out the things they do well. Ask them what their favourite activities are and why. Suggest ideas for new hobbies in alignment with those, and get them to see that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to – within reason!
We hope you found our article useful. Please check out more of our blogs for helpful insights and tips on children’s mindfulness and development.
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