"When we accept tough jobs as a challenge. . . and wade into them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen." - Arland Gilbert

Your child becomes a winner when he approaches life with joy and enthusiasm. But when your child’s spirits are down, he won't feel like trying. Goal setting offers him a way to learn the magic of optimism. Here are two ways you can help him feel the magic.

Parenting Tips - Character Building Creates Winning Feelings:

Let's say your Brad loves soccer but he's an average player. His last practice was a disaster. He's told you that he'll be standing on the sidelines this season. Now he mopes around the house. Your heart goes out to him. You ask him if he'd like a way to create winning feelings. He nods. Here's the next step:

First Character Building Way to Create Winning Feelings - Pick it:

Ask him to pick the feeling he needs to feel to become a better soccer player. If he doesn't know, give him a choice of feelings to pick from. Perhaps you suggest energetic, determined, and enthusiastic. Brad says he likes focused better. You're not sure that's a feeling word. To Brad it is, so use his word. His word feels something to him and that's just what you want.

Second Character Building Way to Create Winning Feelings - Feel it:

Tell Brad to imagine feeling focused while running toward the ball. This may take some time. He'll probably need to close his eyes to get the feeling right.

When Brad feels his chosen feeling, tell him to practice feeling it every night before he falls asleep and each morning before he rises.

Goal Setting Summary:

Goal setting with the right feeling helps your child learn a winning skill for life. Just remember to have him pick the feeling he wants and then feel it. You'll be teaching him to experience the joy and enthusiasm of tackling a challenge. In short, you'll be showing him how to be a winner. You'll be building character too.