Even though it is not an inborn quality, gratitude is one of the most important traits parents can foster in their children. Learning to express gratitude children will be able to value kindness, and express social politeness. They will learn to contribute to something greater than themselves, allowing them to reach social acceptance and happiness. And since it is a significant quality of all people, parents need to give their children a little push, and guide them in the right direction.
Creating a Grateful Environment
Because children absorb everything that happens around them, start teaching them gratitude by being grateful yourself. Create an atmosphere that promotes this value, and encourage family members to the same. A simple “Thank you” can go a long way, and exposing your kids to a grateful environment will allow them to adopt this quality. Just remember to initiate this the thankfulness by being grateful for your child’s deserving activity, and you can be sure they will follow your example, and start expressing it themselves.
Gratitude for the Simple Things
When introducing this value, there is no better way of showing it than by being grateful for the simplest things. From passing something during dinner, to when your child inquires about your well-being, expressing gratitude for these mundane activities can reflect real emotional meaning to them. This will raise their significance, and reward good behavior. This will not only inspire kids to be grateful for simple activities that have a positively affect them, but it will foster kindness in them likewise.
Try this happiness jars activity to help kids focus on and appreciate the little things in life.
Gratitude through Selflessness
Children need to learn to be grateful for their positions as well. Selfless acts of charity will foster these values, since kids will learn to value their belongings by coming in contact with people who are less fortunate. Giving their clothes and toys to charities will make them contemplate about how they would feel in a similar situation.
Being Grateful for Each Cent
Your children’s old toys, and clothes can also provide another way of instilling gratefulness in them. Children need to learn the values of money, and thus become aware of your day-to-day struggle of providing for them. Inspire your kids to sell their clothing from swap.com, for example, where they can find out just how much effort goes into making money. And behind the financial aspect, there is also the sustainable part, teaching them that everything can be reusable from an entrepreneurial standpoint.
Expressing Thanks for Gifts
Inspire your kids to express gratitude for gifts they receive during the holidays, or for their birthdays. This is not only a hands-on approach to gratitude, but also teaches them to value each gift. From teaching them how to write cards, to a quick phone call, children will learn that every kind deed needs another in return. This will display respect to the gift-giver, and relates the fact your child has earned the gift.
Gratefulness before Bedtime
The time right before bed time is the perfect opportunity for your child to express gratitude. Before they fall asleep talk to them about positive daily accomplishments, and events they can be grateful for. Focus on the emotions, and let them realize how they made them feel. Also, be sure to include people they can be grateful of knowing for the love and care they provide to them. This will not only teach them to contemplate gratitude on a higher level, but will also provide them with sense of comfort just before they fall asleep.
In the end it is important to remember that gratitude should be a core value for both of you, and your children, even if they do not come naturally to them. Relying on, and expressing gratitude each day, kids will learn to cherish their lives, and the people in them more, and help them become caring, and thoughtful individuals.
All images are found on: pixabay.com
Sophia Smith is a freelance writer from Brisbane, Australia with huge interest in beauty and DIY projects. She could be described as beauty addict and life lover. She writes mostly in beauty and lifestyle related topics, mainly through blogs and articles. Sophia is regular contributor at High Style Life.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
Sophia I really enjoyed reading this, I agree with you that gratitude is such an important thing for us as parents to teach our children. I believe that being grateful is one of the things that you need to be happy. Without gratitude it will be very hard to find true happiness.
I’m always looking for new ways to teach my children gratitude, compassion and kindness to my children!
I love your suggestion of talking about gratitude just before bed, it is the perfect way for them to end off the day! I’m going to start this with my kids.