- Remember, children learn from what we do, not what we say.
- Listen and validate your child's fears and concerns to better understand how and/or which hope strategies might be appropriate.
- Create a hope kit for the family - a box or place into which you can put hopeful stories, articles, pictures, experiences, etc.
- Use the hope language of "yet" and "when". Instead of saying “no,” why not say, “it may be possible, but not yet” – and provide some alternative date or occurrence that will have to happen for a positive outcome to take effect. Instead of saying “no,” try saying something like “when this happens, then we’ll be able to ....” – giving your family a sense of hope and reason to be positive about the future
- Look for hopeful signs in the community.
- Share stories from your child's past to remember strategies he/she used to help in a fearful, stressful, or problem situation.
- Do something to help someone in need.
- Find ways to exercise and have fun at the same time.
- Schedule time together where you are both forced to concentrate on learning or participating in a new activity or old activity that you both enjoy.
- Plan ways to celebrate small accomplishments together and with family and friends.
Adapted by Personal Safety Nets® from 10 Ways for Parents to Remain Hopeful, The Hope Foundation, 2005.