Helping DC to be more positive

[Juliecloud]

I have 3 DC, age 6-10. One diagnosed with ADHD + ASD, I have strong suspicions that the other 2 might have ASD too.

They all have a very negative outlook on life. Anything that is remotely challenging results in a meltdown and bad moods. They all seem to struggle to see the positive in anything. I suggest lots of things we could do in lockdown, to be met with a barrage of responses as to why my suggestions are rubbish.

I have read lots of books about how having a positive outlook on life makes you happier in general. Like dr chatterjee’s books or the chimp paradox. I’ve bought various books for DC to read or work through with them, but they immediately shut down and will not listen whenever I try to discuss these things with them.

Is there anything I can do to help with this? Is there some sort of specialist I could take them to, to help them change their outlook? I fear for their future mental health if they carry on the way they are.

Hello! Dipping in for advice /support/ experience of how to help my 13 year old whose struggling with insomnia and depression... Its really hard to know how much is just normal 'being a teenager' stuff and how much is something more worrying

Sorry didn't mean to add that to your thread!! Everything you are describing sounds very familiar though so take heart in the fact you're not alone! Personally I think counselling can be really transformative and I'm certainly going to try and convince DD to go once Covid restrictions have lifted

The negativity is energy sapping isn't it. How are you doing ?

Have you tried the Headspace app they have a kids section with really short ones. Picking the right time of day & the right mood is the challenge.