Simple Ways to Teach Children to Be Thankful

Life is not fair and sometimes it is up to us parents to raise a child who is capable of appreciating the small and big things that life has to offer. Most parents go out of their way to teach their children to be thankful for the big and small things in their lives. True gratitude can be instilled through little directors.

Gratitude is having an appreciation for all that has been blessed and recognizing that these little gifts are a blessing regardless. According to research, when gratitude is instilled early in our children’s lives, it leads to a happier life. This happiness shows up at school, at home, and in the relationships they build with their loved ones, as well as with their friends.

When a child is taught to be grateful from an early age, this positive characteristic is reflected even in their adolescence and adulthood. Many people who weren’t raised to be thankful from a young age tend to struggle with the concept, especially as they reach adulthood. So how can children be taught to appreciate all things in their lives, big or small?

Teach by action

One of the easiest ways to teach your child to be grateful is to exercise the same concept yourself. Children, from an early age, tend to shape their behaviors based on how they see adults behaving. “Adult” here means parents, relatives, teachers, and any other adults with whom your child has constant interactions.

Have you ever heard the term “practice what you preach”? This is one of those occasions when it is advisable to show your little ones that you not only expect them to perform this act, but that you are willing to do the same.

Raising children requires patience, kindness, compassion, responsibility, and the list goes on. When we practice this, our children absorb it. Leading by example is the best and hardest lesson in raising good people. Surrendering to a higher purpose, like teaching gratitude, is one of the best things we can do for our little ones when they are of a tender, impressionable age.

An easy way to accomplish this is by introducing a family routine in which everyone sits down daily and says why they are grateful, no matter how small. This will eventually set the wheels in motion and hopefully show your kids that there is so much in this world that they will always be grateful for.

Spread love

There is no better way to teach your children about love than by caring for those around you. Being generous with what little you have allows your child to begin to be considerate of the feelings of others, and not just his own. Encourage your little one to share with the less fortunate or their friends. Instead of always considering what they would want for Christmas, why not encourage them to also think about other gifts they would like to give to the people they love?

We all want to give our children everything they want, but sometimes buying everything can do more harm than good. They must be taught to value what they receive without waiting any longer. If your child ends up having as many toys as he wants, he will not appreciate his possessions. They will always want something brighter and newer because they have been brought up with the idea that all they have to do is take aim and it is theirs.

Depending on his age, your teen can start giving back to the community. Make helping a community part of your family activity. Start volunteering at a nursing home, homeless shelters, etc. When your children begin to interact with those who are less fortunate, those with health problems, they will begin to appreciate the little things like their health, their family, their home, that they would have otherwise taken for granted.

Another beautiful tradition to present would be to encourage your children to donate their old toys to charity. Perhaps instill a “one in, one out” policy where if they are going to get a new toy, they will have to get rid of an old one. Children tend to bond closely with their toys, so this lesson can be very educational for them.

Instead of just donating these old toys to charity by mail, why not take your child to a charity home where they can see first-hand the joys their old toys bring to a less fortunate child? This lesson will teach not only gratitude but also compassion.

Let them work for it

You need your relatives to understand that things don’t magically appear when they want them. A great way to instill this is by allowing them to earn their rewards. Start laying out simple tasks for your countertop.

Teach them to save for what they want and only then can they buy it; This will educate them about money and its value. It will also allow them to take care of their possessions and appreciate what they have. This lesson will also allow you to get a realistic perspective on what your parents do to you.

Encourage “thank you” notes

Sending handwritten thank you notes is a dying profession and we believe children should be encouraged to participate. When their child receives gifts, parents should help them send thank you notes to everyone who bought them a gift.

This doesn’t just have to be practiced when it comes to gifts. Encourage them to thank their teachers, pediatricians, family members, etc. – There are tons of opportunities for your child to recognize a kind gesture and appreciate it. If they start out young, this habit will become part of them as they transition to adulthood.

The glass is always half full

Sometimes, it is part of human nature to see the world from a negative perspective. Many of us complain and despair over little things (this is very normal), but it can be helpful if, as a parent, perhaps you could always try to find a silver lining. Teach your child / children to find something positive in every circumstance.

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