Blog: Category: Thrive

Have you ever considered the meaning and wisdom behind the phrase “count your blessings”? In fact, gratitude intersects with religion, science, and culture and weaves its way through the tapestry of human history. How? From a religious perspective, gratitude could be appreciating the kindness or grace in one’s life. Scientifically speaking, gratitude could be associated with experiencing improvements in one’s mood. A cultural outlook could express gratitude through certain traditions. What makes gratitude universally relevant throughout time and evolution? Let’s discuss the transformative power of practicing gratitude and discover how it can positively impact the mental health and well-being of parents and children.

What is gratitude?

Gratitude is more than a fleeting emotion or a polite response; it can be a mindset—a way of appreciating the world and recognizing the abundance surrounding us, even in challenging times. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can potentially rewire our brains and help foster a positive outlook on life (Emmons et al., 2003). This concept is called neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections throughout life (Maharjan et al., 2020). Practicing gratitude stimulates the brain’s reward system and releases “feel-good” neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Over time, this rewiring may lead to a heightened sense of happiness and contentment and a greater capacity to cope with stress and adversity (Kyeong et al., 2017).

Gratitude can have profound and lasting effects on children whose brains are still developing. Research suggests that children who practice gratitude may experience greater emotional intelligence, improved social relationships, and enhanced academic performance (Ma et al., 2013). When parents nurture a grateful mindset in children, they help empower them to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and optimism (Jin et al., 2019).

Here are some ways to practice gratitude:

Gratitude Journal: Set aside a few minutes each day to write down what you are grateful for—a beautiful sunrise, a kind gesture from a friend, or a moment of laughter with your children. Encourage your children to join you by creating their own gratitude journals or by listening to you as you share yours during family time.

Express Appreciation: Take the time to express gratitude towards one another regularly. For example, a heartfelt thank-you note, a verbal acknowledgment of someone’s efforts, or a spontaneous act of kindness. These customary expressions can exemplify appreciation, help strengthen family bonds, and foster a culture of gratitude.

Mindful Moments: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as mindful breathing or mindful eating. Encourage your children to be fully present in the moment and appreciate the simple joys of life—the taste of food, the warmth of sunlight, a cozy bed, or a flower blooming. Intentionally, acknowledge and discuss the beauty of the small, often overlooked, details that brighten their world.

Acts of Service: Engage in acts of service as a family, such as volunteering at a local charity, helping a neighbor in need, or lending a hand around the house. Teaching children the value of giving back can instill gratitude for their experiences and help foster a sense of empathy toward others.

Embracing gratitude enhances our mental wellness and helps create a nurturing environment where our children can thrive. Please see the additional resources to discover more helpful tips on cultivating gratitude in your home.

We are pleased to announce the presenters for Session II of the 2024 Thrive Initiative’s Educational Series for Professionals. Join us in May and July for presentations on the topics of Working with Stepfamilies and the Hybrid Implementation of Thrive Parent-Education Programming. You can earn one hour of continuing education credit from the American Psychological Association for participating in each virtual event. The presentation dates and details are below.

Register today! https://bit.ly/ThriveEduSessionII

Working with Stepfamilies: Understanding the Challenges

Date: May 21, 2024

Time: 12-1 pm EDT

Presenter: Dr. Douglas Teti

Stepfamilies are complicated. When one family form ends and another one begins, family members need to adapt to and coordinate with each other. Grouping individuals together, who have potentially become accustomed to a different way of life or even a different family system or structure, can create unique challenges. This presentation discusses the unique challenges that exist in stepfamilies from multiple perspectives—the stepparent, the biological parent(s), and the children—and will examine some best practices for resolving issues and promoting family health and well-being.

Hybrid Implementation of Thrive Parent-Education Programming

Date: July 31, 2024

Time: 12-1 pm EDT

Presenter: Terri L. Rudy, M.P.A.

Parent-education programs have historically been offered in person, which created several barriers. Due to recent technological advances, a shift to offering parent programming in an online format has occurred to address these barriers. While this web-based delivery method eliminates many barriers, it also removes the interpersonal connection that participants might establish with a supportive professional or another parent. Thus, hybrid programming has been suggested as a way to deliver programming to parents that incorporates the best features of in-person and online delivery. This presentation will explore how the Thrive portfolio of programs can be delivered in a hybrid format for group face-to-face or virtual synchronous interaction while parents complete the online asynchronous program.

Children of all ages can benefit from participating in sports and engaging in physical activity. As a parent, you may want to consider your child’s age, personality, interests, and abilities when signing them up to participate in sports and activities. It may be useful to implement a phased approach with your child for sports participation—start with non-competitive, free-play activities and gradually move to more competitive, organized sports. For example, for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2 to 5 years), sports should be less structured and competitive and focused on having fun and helping your child develop their social skills while being active. As your child grows and advances in their skill level, they may develop the physical, mental, and social skills required for organized sports, and they may gravitate towards a specific team (e.g., basketball) and/or individual sports activities (e.g., swimming). Consider the information below as you evaluate your child’s readiness for a sports program and choose a suitable sport activity.

Benefits of Sports

• Promotes healthy behaviors.
• Teaches new skills that contribute to your child’s overall development.
• Encourages social play, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Expands the family’s circle of support.
• Improves physical and mental health.
• Develops relationships with parents and other authority figures.
• Helps children maintain focus.
• Offers opportunities for fun and exploration.
• Encourages children to build friendships.
• Develops leadership skills.
• Boosts your child’s self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Helps teach the value of balancing successes and failures.

“First” Sports

Instead of choosing sports that emphasize competition, choose sports geared toward having fun and being active. Some good sport activities for children to learn first are activities such as running, tumbling, and swimming because the focus is basic skill development through active play, and these activities do not require organized rules (Healthychildren.org, 2019). These activities can improve your child’s coordination, help your child develop body awareness, increase social skills if your child plays and interacts with others, and teach your child skills that can prepare them for more organized activities. First sports also offer your child an opportunity to have fun with the entire family.

Physical Activity Based on Your Child’s Age and Development

How to Choose the “Right” Sport for Your Child

• Understand your child’s age, interests, and abilities, and seek compatible activities.
• Pay attention to skills your child has mastered and those they continue to develop.
• Consider enrolling your child in a variety of team sports (e.g., field hockey, lacrosse, softball) and individual sports (e.g., karate, fencing, dancing).
• Discuss your child’s interests with them and plan together for their participation in the sports of their choice.
• Monitor your child’s sports participation and take action if it becomes a negative experience.
• Ensure your child is enjoying the game and not developing a “win at all costs” mentality.
• Avoid coaches and sports environments that are hostile and/or abusive toward your child.

Is Your Child Not Interested in Organized Sports?

Your child may not be interested in organized sports; this is fine, and there are many ways they can become and stay physically fit and active. You may want to encourage your child to explore activities such as bicycling, jogging, hiking, riding bikes, yoga, exercising at the gym, or playing tag with family and friends. Many of these activities (e.g., jogging, hiking) can involve your child and one parent, a friend, or multiple family members.

March is National Nutrition Month! This may be a good time for you to remind your family that starting their day with a nutritious breakfast can be important. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, adults often skip breakfast to gain extra time, use the time differently, or even consume fewer calories. Similarly, children may rush out the door with empty stomachs or may have only consumed empty-calorie snacks. In addition, neglecting a balanced breakfast can potentially lead to a myriad of negative consequences. So, you may want to ask yourself, “Is the extra time and calories I save in the morning worth the sacrifice of this important meal?” Let’s review how eating breakfast can help support your family members in their daily activities.

For adults

Metabolism: Eating a nutritious breakfast can help jumpstart your metabolism and enable your body to burn calories more efficiently throughout the day. This can contribute to weight management and better overall energy levels (Heo et al., 2021).

Cognitive function: A healthy breakfast provides your brain with essential nutrients, such as glucose, which can help your brain function at an optimal level. Studies have shown that breakfast consumption is linked to improved concentration, focus, and memory (Barr et al., 2013).

Blood sugar levels: Starting your day with a balanced breakfast can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes and mood swings later in the day. This stability can be key for your productivity and emotional well-being throughout the day (Young et al., 2014).
Healthy eating habits: Eating a nutritious breakfast can set a positive tone for the rest of the day and help establish a foundation for nutritious dietary patterns (Uzhova et al., 2018).

For children

Growth and development: Children’s bodies are constantly growing and developing and require a steady supply of nutrients. A nourishing breakfast provides essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins necessary for healthy growth, strong bones, and cognitive development (Gibney et al., 2018).

Academic performance: Research indicates that children who eat breakfast tend to perform better academically and experience improved concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills (Wesnes et al., 2003). Starting the day with a nutritious meal can help facilitate effective learning and engagement in the classroom.

Energy levels: Breakfast can replenish energy levels that have been depleted overnight and can provide children with the fuel they need to stay active and focused throughout the school day. Skipping breakfast can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, which can hinder academic and social interactions (Adolphus et al., 2013).

Healthy habits: Teaching children the importance of eating breakfast can support lifelong healthy habits. When a family prioritizes breakfast, children can learn the value of nutrition and understand the role it plays in their overall health and well-being (Silvia et al., 2023).

Breakfast can benefit adults and children. When you make time for a balanced breakfast each morning, you can help set your family up for success and vitality throughout the day. For more information on how to incorporate a healthy breakfast into your routine, please look at the Additional Resources box below.

While many parents and caregivers acknowledge that being physically active can produce significant health advantages for children, the full impact of engaging in physical activity on learning and one’s overall well-being might not be entirely evident. Motor-skill development can have a profound effect on children’s social, cognitive, and psychological domains. Below are some examples of how motor-skill development can intertwine with cognitive growth.

Neurological Connection: Neural pathways in the brain connect motor and cognitive functions. When children participate in activities that challenge their motor skills, such as balancing or coordination exercises, they activate brain regions that are responsible for cognitive processes like planning, decision-making, and problem-solving (Best, 2010; Shi et al., 2022; Veldman et al., 2019).

• What we see: Dale is learning to rollerblade. He moves his arms and legs to maintain balance, move forward, and make adaptations, so he can stay upright as the contours of the sidewalk change.
• What we don’t see: Dale’s brain is forming connections between the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex—key regions for motor and cognitive functions (Shi et al., 2022). As he encounters environmental cues like bumps and obstacles, his brain swiftly adjusts to maintain balance. This activity improves Dale’s agility, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness and strengthens his cognitive processes, such as attentiveness and perception.

Cognitive Engagement: Cognition is the mental process of acquiring, processing, and storing information, which includes perception, memory, thinking, and imagination (Shi et al., 2022). Acquiring and developing cognitive abilities are essential for survival and development. When children participate in motor activities that require coordination, precision, and goal-directed action, they refine their cognitive skills as they plan, strategize, and adjust their movements to achieve desired outcomes (Gibb et al., 2021; Pesce et al., 2016).

• What we see: Ella and Nellie are playing a game of “Red Light, Green Light.” Ella moves forward when Nellie says, “green light,” and she stops when Nellie says “red light.” Occasionally, Nellie tries to deceive Ella by saying similar-sounding words.
• What we don’t see: Ella’s brain is actively involved in various cognitive
  processes, such as comprehending instructions, responding to verbal cues, and suppressing impulsive reactions. Beyond refining her physical coordination, Ella’s brain is exercising her working memory, inhibitory control, and flexibility as she strategically plans and executes actions in pursuit of specific objectives.

Whole-Body Integration: Motor activities often involve the integration of various sensory inputs and whole-body movements. When children engage in activities that require coordination of multiple sensory systems, such as balancing or spatial-awareness tasks, they can refine their attention and concentration skills (Beck, 2022; Bergland, 2015; Cook et al., 2019).

• What we see: A group of children are playing a game of Hide and Seek. They run, sneak, crawl, hide, and navigate through various hiding spots. Simultaneously, they monitor their surroundings and the movements of other players.
• What we don’t see: As the children maneuver, they integrate their sensory inputs—vision, hearing, and proprioception (awareness of body position)—to coordinate their movements effectively. Their heightened awareness of the environment and anticipation of others’ actions helps them to adjust and refine their physical coordination, agility, attention, and spatial awareness. In addition, they develop multitasking skills as they simultaneously keep track of various elements.

Skill Transfer: Skills acquired through motor activities can benefit an individual’s cognitive abilities. When children engage in activities like balancing or climbing, they use spatial awareness and planning skills, and these skills can transfer to cognitive tasks such as problem-solving (Bergland, 2015; Shi et al., 2022).

• What we see: Rajan and Ian are exploring a playground climber. They are pretending the ground is covered with lava and must navigate the climber without touching the ground. They climb up the slide tunnel, grab and travel along the monkey bars, run across a swinging bridge, and slide down a curvy pole.
• What we don’t see: As Rajan and Ian encounter various obstacles, they challenge their brains to problem-solve in real time. As they balance and coordinate their movements, they utilize spatial reasoning, which enables them to overcome challenges and reach their goal. This process enhances their physical abilities, sharpens their cognitive skills, and fosters adaptability and decision-making. Further, their imaginative play adds an element of creativity and exploration to their experience.

Social Interaction: Participating in physical activities can create opportunities for children to interact with peers and practice social skills, like cooperation. These experiences may promote teamwork and communication skills and can help strengthen bonds and friendships among children (Khan et al., 2023; Shi et al., 2022).

• What we see: LaShante is playing a game of basketball. As she runs up and down the court, she communicates with her teammates about offense strategies and defense tactics.
• What we don’t see: LaShante’s involvement in physical activity facilitates her connection with peers. She is developing teamwork skills and learning to coordinate and collaborate within a group. When the team faces challenges, they do so together, which instills respect for each other’s contributions and creates a network of support. Even in defeat, the team’s unity can strengthen, which nurtures a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Psychological Benefits: Motor development can impact a child’s sense of self-esteem and self-confidence as they master new skills and overcome challenges (Fong Yan et al., 2024). Physical activities trigger the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that are associated with positive emotions. Positivity can contribute to stress reduction and improved mental health (Li et al., 2022; Martín-Rodríguez et al., 2024).

• What we see: Feliks is participating in gymnastics after school. He somersaults and cartwheels on the mat, pulls himself up on the rings, swings on the bars, and performs choreographed routines on a padded floor.
• What we don’t see: Feliks has found an avenue for self-expression and is able to channel his energy and enthusiasm into dynamic movement. As he immerses himself in different activities, he encounters a shift in neural activity, which leads to a surge of positivity that permeates his psyche. Furthermore, each new skill he learns becomes a source of pride and accomplishment. When he shares his triumphs with his family and friends, he builds confidence and nurtures a strong belief in his capabilities.

Encouraging physical activity and motor-skill development through purposeful play can support children’s physical and cognitive growth. When children engage in activities that challenge their motor skills, these activities can promote growth across a variety of learning domains. For further information and suggestions on integrating physical activity into your child’s daily schedule, please refer to the additional resources below.