The Daily Groove
The Law of Attraction
by Scott Noelle, posted on 2006-05-22
Simply put, the Law of Attraction means that "like attracts like."
Psychologically, it means that whatever you focus on, think about, believe, or otherwise give your attention to, is amplified and perpetuated in your experience.
For example, if you believe toddlers and teens are naturally rebellious, you'll notice their antisocial behavior more than other behavior. And since kids like to be noticed, they'll give you more of whatever behavior you're noticing. Resisting such behavior only makes it worse by keeping you focused on it.
The good news is that it works both ways. So if you find a way to soften resistance and deliberately appreciate your children, yourself, and your life — as they are — then you’ll attract the kind of experiences you really want.
How to teach LoA to little children
Thank you Scott for all that you do. I share your philosophy. ‘The Secret’ helped me shift the way I looked at problems and I took the responsibility to transform my life. And that was only the beginning.
While I am learning new habits and new thinking how to set a good example for my girl? I have no idea how to spend time with her.
Is there a movie like ‘The Secret’ for children? Or even simple animated stories that send the same message? And children books?
What books on parenting should I read? What activities and games can I play with my girl? What school to send her to?
I want to get in touch with forward thinking positive parents.
Thank you.
Teaching LOA to kids
Two movies come to mind: Pollyanna (1960) and National Velvet (1944). Both are about young girls who are committed to creating the experiences they desire regardless of others' limited beliefs and/or negativity. (But note that both films have a few high-intensity scenes that might upset some younger children who are very sensitive.)
In Pollyanna, the title character describes how her father taught her to play "the glad game," the object of which is to think of reasons to be glad and see the good even in apparent misfortune. I've played this game with my kids a few times and we loved it. But beware the temptation to subtly invalidate children's "negative" emotions by pressuring them to look for the silver lining. Instead, challenge yourself to see the good in their emotional process.
In general, I don't recommend trying to teach LOA (or any abstract concept) to young children. They can learn about it the same way they learn about the law of gravity: through direct experience. They learn by example when they see that you are committed to focusing on your desires, being at peace with unfulfilled desires, and enjoying the journey toward fulfillment. And when you soothe their upsets by being fully present with an open heart and open arms, they eventually learn that Well-Being is only a thought away.