Plan something exciting
4–5 yearsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: Paper and crayons (optional)
Calendar (optional)
Spend time together planning a positive experience for the near future. This could be a simple outing, a special meal, a craft project, or time with friends. Talk through the details together and let your child contribute ideas. Draw a picture of what it will be like or mark it on a calendar. The planning itself builds positive anticipation and teaches children that good things are ahead. Keep the planned activity simple and achievable.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Spend time together planning a positive experience for the near future. This could be a simple outing, a special meal, a craft project, or time with friends. Talk through the details together and let your child contribute ideas. Draw a picture of what it will be like or mark it on a calendar. The planning itself builds positive anticipation and teaches children that good things are ahead. Keep the planned activity simple and achievable.
Why It Works
Planning for positive experiences teaches children to expect good things and see the future as holding possibilities. This forward-looking optimism is a key component of overall life satisfaction and resilience. Research consistently links optimism to higher levels of life satisfaction and better health outcomes, with children who expect positive experiences developing stronger coping strategies and greater resilience (Carver, Scheier, & Segerstrom, 2010). Regular practice in anticipating good things helps children develop a generally positive outlook.
Tips for Parents
Choose something that will actually happen within a few days. Long waits are hard for this age and can lead to disappointment.
Let your child have real input in the planning. Their ownership makes the anticipation stronger and more meaningful.
Talk about the plan naturally in the days leading up to it. This extends the positive feelings beyond the activity itself.
Materials Needed
Paper and crayons (optional)
Calendar (optional)
Learning Methods
Metacognitive StrategiesCooperative LearningGuided Discovery and Inquiry
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