![What is Fishful Thinking [sm]?](http://www.fishfulthinking.com/images/nav2.gif){kind=small}
 |
|||
 Mothers Stress Optimism as a Primary Source of Children's Happiness, According to Gallup Survey Norwalk, CT (March 01, 2007) - To encourage optimism in America's youth, the Pepperidge Farm Goldfish® brand has launched a comprehensive program designed to connect parents, teachers, and other concerned adults with resources about optimism in children. The Goldfish brand has partnered with Karen Reivich Ph.D., an expert in the field of positive psychology in children and adolescents and a mother of four, on its Fishful ThinkingSM program to help inform parents and teachers about the importance of optimism in childhood development and to offer tools to help them easily incorporate optimism into children's daily lives in a fun way. Short or tall, blue eyes or brown, extroverted or introverted. These and other traits shape who people become. Unlike height or eye color, optimism is a teachable skill that all children can learn, according to Dr. Reivich, the co-director of the Penn Resiliency Project at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. As part of the Fishful ThinkingSM program, Goldfish has created a Web site (www.fishfulthinking.com) to connect parents and teachers with information about optimism and children. It includes downloadable articles, such as "Optimism: A Key Ingredient in Happiness," as well as easy-to-follow tips, fun activities and games that can be used every day including the "Happiness Scavenger Hunt," "Emotion Charades" and "Silver Lining Games." Many of the activities and games can be adapted to children's ages. The content on the Web site will be refreshed regularly with additional exercises, articles and relevant information for building and maintaining optimism in children. "The Goldfish brand is committed to helping children realize their full potential by promoting a healthy lifestyle," said Michael Simon, Vice President/General Manager – Snacks Division at Pepperidge Farm. "We have been bringing smiles to kids for more than forty years, and we are dedicated to making a difference in children's lives from the products we make to the services we support." According to Dr. Reivich, research shows that no matter how optimistic children are to begin with, they can increase and strengthen their optimism through a set of learned skills. Optimism is a critical skill that helps children be resilient in the face of problems and adversity, and increases their overall happiness. For instance, children who are optimistic are more likely to be successful in dealing with challenges and setbacks throughout their lives. "In today's complex world, teaching young children ways to increase their optimism and resilience is more important than ever," says Dr. Reivich. "I am excited to be working with Goldfish to share with parents how to feel more confident in supporting their kids and offer them guidance on instilling optimism and resilience in their children." Dr. Reivich is co-author of the books, "The Optimistic Child" and "The Resilience Factor." Dr. Reivich defines optimism as the skill of seeing the positive aspects of a situation – the belief that things can change for the better and that one can control the direction of one's own life. According to Dr. Reivich, optimism is a teachable skill that is important for all children, regardless of his or her circumstances." In developing the Fishful Thinking program, the Pepperidge Farm Goldfish brand conducted research on optimism, including a survey by the Gallup Organization. According to the Gallup survey, moms consider optimism as one of the most important factors in determining the happiness of their children. Other findings from the survey include: |
|||
|
