Gratitude and Children
As a parent, grandparent, teacher or other significant adult, be a positive role model and express your appreciation to everyone you communicate with during the day, especially your children. Remember to say thank you when someone performs an act of kindness.
● Remind your child/grandchild that you are grateful to be his parent/grandparent and that you love him/her.
● Remember to say thank you when someone does something kind and thoughtful.
● Tell your students how grateful you are to be their teacher.
● Prayers of gratitude at mealtime, bedtime, or anytime in between.
● Spend time in nature noticing and appreciation the gifts and blessings you find there. Celebrate the seasons with family celebrations.
● Encourage children to keep gratitude journals or scrapbooks on a regular basis. Younger children and non-readers can draw pictures of things that they are thankful for.
● At bedtime, take a few minutes to share the good things that happened during
the day and have your child to the same. Model and encourage them with your own examples, preferably those they can relate to. It could be a hug, words of love, the sounds of the birds in the morning, having a yummy snack, talking to a friend or seeing a beautiful sunset.
● Teach children to be generous with positive thoughts and words. Even young children can understand the concept of sending loving thoughts.● Helping others (family, friends, teachers). The ability to help others gives a sense of belonging, purpose and gratitude within us….like a warm fuzzy. As a family, you may wish to find interesting ways to help others.
● Encourage children to give and receive humbly and graciously, explaining that to give without wanting anything in return is the best way to give.
