We often think of hope as optimism, but researcher and author Brené Brown explains that hope is a way of thinking – a cognitive process. The great news is that hopeful thinking can be taught. C. R. Synder refers to the hope trilogy:
1. We know how to set realistic goals (I know what I want to achieve).
2. We can see more than one way to achieve those goals, including the ability to stay flexible and develop alternative routes (I know how to get there, I can be persistent, and manage my disappointment).
3. We believe in ourselves (I can do this, even if it takes some time and effort!).
I love the idea that hope can be learned. Children learn hope from their parents and other adults in their lives. Snyder says that to learn hopeful thinking, children need to be in environments that provide boundaries, consistency, and support.
As parents and teachers, our relationships with students and daily interactions have the potential to build capacity and teach hope. As we see our children considering a difficult situation, we get to ask them those two great questions: what do you want to achieve and how do you think you might do that? We also get to speak into their lives by reminding them that God has created them with skills and talents to allow them to pursue their goals with confidence.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Mrs Deb Cooper
Principal
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