Building rainbows in children's minds

Exalted as one of the three most important virtues of Christianity, and a powerful force enabling us to battle the inevitable obstacles of life, hope is a less-examined, vital ingredient for a happy, healthy childhood and adult life.

- LINDA MOON

COVID. Lockdowns. Climate change. Economic depression. Widening inequality. It can feel like there's not much for our children to look forward to. There's also more ways than ever to be plugged into the dystopian gloom and doom. On an individual level, children also have their own personal struggles to contend with from bullying, abuse and school and family issues to learning and other disabilities. Sure, some things have improved - healthcare and educational opportunities, for instance however, this doesn't minimise the very real problems many are experiencing.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, children's depression and anxiety levels may have doubled, speculate the authors of a literature review published in JAMA Pediatrics. One in four children globally now suffers from depression and one in five from anxiety. The researchers hypothesise social isolation from peers, missed milestones, lack of routines and family financial stress are to blame.

The power of hope

A metaphorical sword and shield, hope helps us battle the problems of life. While sparse on the topic, research links hope in children to better academic achievement, social competency, resilience to adversity, problem-solving abilities and a greater chance of healing from severe health issues like cancer. It can even mitigate the negative impacts of disadvantage or discrimination. Hope helps children create who they want to be and is an important predictor of adult wellbeing and success.