Raising Grateful Kids
‘Tis the season for quality time with family, gift giving, time off from school/work, and holiday inspired activities. So much to look forward to, but also a tough time for some parents because of how stressful this can all feel.
One thing is for certain, whatever you are doing for and with your kids, you want to see them be appreciative and not take things for granted.
This is not only just for you, but also to improve kids’ relationships with their friends too. Their overall happiness, socialization skills, and ability to empathize with others all relates to their showing and feeling grateful.
Here are some ways that you, as their parents, can encourage the importance of feeling and showing gratitude.
Call attention to generosity.
Point out when people (including your kids) go above and beyond what is expected
Reinforce helping out without being asked
Reward when your kids act selflessly, like taking extra time to do something for someone other than themselves
Have conversations about it.
Ask your kid or teen how it feels when people thank them
Talk about how it feels when someone does something nice for them
This reinforces the idea that their behavior affects others, and they can choose whether they want that to be positive or negative
This also helps them understand the emotional benefits to being appreciative
Be the example.
Model what it means to be grateful (especially between husband and wife, or to your kids themselves)
Offer genuine “thank you!”s to people you come in contact with
Be kind to service industry workers, neighbors, friends, family, etc.
Thanking your children lets them know they are appreciated, and also shows them that it is something important in your household
Make bedtime a gratitude time.
Tucking your kids in at night and asking them what they are grateful for is good practice
Reflecting on their day in a positive way can be good for them
Let kids choose.
Options like bake sales, fundraisers, food/ clothing donations, let kids express their interests in a charitable way
Using skills for a good cause is a good way to boost confidence while indirectly showing them to be grateful for what they have
Give them a chance to give back
Perspective is everything.
Talk to your kids about those who are less fortunate
Teach them that not everyone has the same advantages
This helps them develop compassion and appreciate their own privileges
Thank those who help your kids.
Help your kids come up with ways to show appreciation to other people who help them
Whether it be teachers, coaches, local firemen, or mailman, it can be fun to bake cookies or give a small gift of thanks to them
Get involved.
Find charities that align with your kids and teens interests and either volunteer or donate to them this holiday season
Giving and gratitude go hand in hand
