Creating Visions Of Your Child's Future

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

It is hard not to be overwhelmed with the abundance of information there is regarding the unfathomable reality we are all facing. While the oceans of information and changes we are making are necessary, they may be having a negative impact to our collective mental well being. Children especially not only need help understanding the world around them, but most importantly, need reassurance that this too will pass.

For those of us with a full house looking for any activity to pass the time (other than binge watching Netflix originals) here is suggestion: create a Vision Board!

A Vision Board is a tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on a specific life goal. It can also be a visualization tool that sets an intention for what our children want, might need and how they want to feel. By displaying images and inspirational words that matter to our children, they are creating a visual representation of what they want and will continually reinforces that.

This simple exercise can serve as a fun family activity and a wonderful coping tool that will take our children’s attention away from their current struggles and help them to focus on, and shape, their future!  Here are some of the things that you will need to get started:

Supplies

1. Poster board or a cork board
2. Construction paper
3. Plenty of Magazines
4. Scissors
5. Gel Pens
6. Glue, tape or thumbtacks

Vision Board Guidance

Try to keep directions to a minimum and let your children dream big! Have them focus on how they want to feel, not just on material things they may want. Come up with a series of open ended questions that will help guide them. Then let them run with it! Here are some examples of open ended guiding questions:

Suggestions

1. What do you want to be when you grow up?
2. Where would you like to travel to this year?
3. What fun activities would you like to do?
4. If you can help someone, how would you do it?
5. Who do you love?
6. What makes you feel loved?

Anything that inspires and motivates them is fair game. When the Vision Boards are complete talk to your children about their creations and hang them for all to see. Let them know that they can make changes to their boards whenever they like and remember to discuss any changes they make with them.

During these challenging times, much like inspirational quotes or sayings, using Vision Boards to help focus on our futures is a healthy coping strategy to employ. Doing so can greatly improve your families’ collective mental well being.    

All of us here at SERVPRO of Newton / Wellesley want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together!