Conventional thinking: No one thinks about this.
✔ Reality: We should.
Yes, according to researchers, grateful children are less depressed than ungrateful toads. (my words) Plus they may do better in school. And it makes senses that less depressed kids are happier kids and happier kids are probably healthier too. So, it makes sense to teach them a little gratitude.
Young children around five or less don’t grasp being thankful just yet. When mom helps them write thank you notes for presents, they just go through the motions expecting more presents for their efforts. This is not to say young kids can’t learn to be grateful, it means like so many things we teach our kids, they will absorb it and put it to use later when they need it. That notion sounds a little more self-serving than grateful, time will tell in all children.
Meanwhile, some time tested grateful exercises to share with children are listed below.
1. Saying your blessings at bedtime, and discussing the days events.
2. Meal time rituals, listing things to be thankful for that day.
3. Thank you notes, (ok, e-mail, text and im) or just a plain old phone call.
4. As a parent, be observant and savor experiences together.
5. Don’t miss giving credit where due, even people in the news.
6. Walk the talk, demonstrate your own gratitude, always.
In addition, a few negative grateful
actions to think about too:
1. Quit complaining about everything.
2. Quit being so materialistic and self-absorbed yourself.
3. Don’t let them off the hook, require age appropriate responsibility.
4. Quit saying yes to every request, it creates an entitled child mind-set.
You should expect your child to begin to show empathy as they mature, he or she will also begin to express gratitude, compassion and thankfulness. Remember, like growing a giant Redwood, it takes time. That little seedling of today with proper nourishment will one day amaze everyone.
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