Questions to Ask to Create Positive Moods
Jul 31, 2025
Parenting is not just about guiding and disciplining; it’s also about creating positive moods—for both you and your children. Here’s a helpful approach to reevaluate your activities and ensure that both you and your children are not just going through the motions, but genuinely enjoying your time together.
Reflecting on Shared Activities
Start by thinking about the activities you frequently do with your child. Reflecting on these can help identify whether they're sources of joy or just items on a never-ending to-do list.
Assessing Enjoyment
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Ask yourself: Do I enjoy this activity?
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Does my child enjoy this activity?
If the answer to either question is no, consider how you might tweak the activity to increase enjoyment for both of you. If neither of you enjoys the activity and it's not essential, it might be time to replace it with something more fulfilling.
Understanding Performance Pressure In School and Competitive Sports
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Consider if there are any performance demands on you or your child during this activity: How significant are these demands?
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Can you communicate to your child that it’s okay not to be the best or on the winning team?
Letting children know that they are valued regardless of their performance can significantly enhance their enjoyment and reduce stress.
If there are performance demands, consider asking yourself
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How can I let my child know that the stakes are very low for performance demands? This means letting them know that it’s no big deal if they are on the winning team or not.
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If my child fails at this activity what will they learn from me?
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What will they learn about failure?
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What will they learn about this activity?
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What can I teach my kids about the meaning of failure?
Injecting Fun into Necessary Tasks
Some activities are unavoidable, like grocery shopping or routine doctor’s visits. Think about how to make these fun:
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Can we turn a trip to the grocery store into a treasure hunt?
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Can waiting at the doctor’s office be a chance to read a favorite book together?
Finding ways to infuse fun into necessary errands can transform chores into adventures. Try a Qik on the app for quick mindset shifts that help turn routine moments into joyful connection.
Exploring New Activities
Beyond reevaluating existing activities, think about what you personally love or have always wanted to explore:
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What interests do I wish I had time to develop?
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What do I love to do that I’m not currently doing?
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Can I involve my kids in these interests? Play is a powerful way to build resilience, helping children grow emotionally while having fun.
It’s a way to share something you love and nurture similar passions in them.
Making Changes
Begin to phase out activities that don’t bring joy to you or your child. Introduce new activities that could be more enjoyable. By regularly asking these questions, you can create a more joyful, fulfilling parenting experience that nurtures both your children’s and your own emotional well-being. So, take the time to laugh, explore, and grow together. The joy you cultivate now will enrich your lives for years to come.
