How Does It Benefit Children To Believe That Wishes Are Fulfilled?
If something characterizes childhood, it is illusion, innocence and faith. Children have a clean mind and a developed imagination so, for them, anything is possible. Thus, it is common to observe the little ones making wishes before a birthday cake, when passing under a bridge or simply lying in bed before going to sleep. But, in addition, they ask with the absolute conviction that wishes are fulfilled.
We adults find these acts tender, but naive, since we have already developed logical thinking. However, in doing so, we have also lost much of the confidence that children have in themselves and in the world. Therefore, let us help the little ones to take advantage of this potential to develop the most positive traits of their personality.
Self-esteem and optimism
Despite the irrationality of the belief, having assurance that wishes are fulfilled enhances two of the most important qualities highlighted by positive psychology: self-esteem and optimism. Knowing that what you want will happen means trusting that you have what it takes to achieve it and that the world is full of possibilities.
It has been widely shown that people with these two characteristics are happier and more successful. They face life with greater vitality and determination, and they are able to handle failure in a more productive way. Confidence is the engine that drives us to work for our dreams.
Trust is the engine
Let’s take an example. It is the beginning of the year and two boys have the same desire: to win a medal in a gymnastics competition. Both are in the same conditions, but one of them firmly believes that their wish will be fulfilled and the other will not. Their belief will lead them to act in very different ways and to achieve very different results.
If they do not pass the tests to enter the team, the former will continue working to improve their skills and will try their luck elsewhere. The second, on the contrary, will give up and become convinced that he is not fit for this sport. Or you will feel that life is unfair and that there is nothing you can do to avoid it.
Later, if both of you have joined the team, your faith will continue to motivate your behavior. The first child will experience the training with passion and enthusiasm; for him it will be a fun activity that brings him closer to achieving something that he knows is already his. However, the second child may be overwhelmed by pressure and insecurity, and experience the sport with the anguish of not being enough.
Already in the competition, if neither achieves the medal, while one feels paralyzed by failure, the other will find the motivation to learn from their failures and continue. So, by the end of the year, the little one who kept the confidence will probably have achieved a victory. Meanwhile, the other will have withdrawn from the activity or will continue to practice it with less and less enthusiasm and more fear.
Wishes are fulfilled
Whoever believed that his wish would be fulfilled saw it come true. But not because he asked for it when blowing out the candles, but because his conviction led him to believe in himself and to seek and create opportunities. This success will confirm your belief that you are capable of achieving what you set your mind to, that the world is a kind and trustworthy place, and that your wishes can come true. It will give you a sense of control over your own life that is essential for good emotional health.
On the contrary, the child who did not reach his goal will see his initial idea corroborated that he does not have enough qualities and that he has no control over what happens. Thus, you will develop a defeatist and conformist attitude that will generate feelings of unhappiness and helplessness.
The difference between success and failure often lies in our ability to believe that achievement is within our grasp. So if your child asks for wishes, feed his conviction. Encourage him to believe, to trust himself and to look at life with optimism. Not all of your dreams will come true over the years, but facing disappointment with strong self-esteem and deep-seated optimism will certainly help you thrive.
