How to teach your child about gratitude!

It’s almost Thanksgiving, so how can we teach our child about being thankful??

“Gratitude is linked to happiness in children by age 5.”  -Journal of Happiness Studies

Instilling gratitude at a young age can help them be happier, more engaged in hobbies and school, and have better relationships. Like most things, gratitude is something that children must be explicitly taught.

How can we teach the abstract concept of gratitude?  MODEL IT!

• Say please and thank you everyday!

  • Don't forget family members, neighbors, store clerks, teachers, delivery man, etc.

• Teach your kids to look for the extraordinary in the ordinary.

  • Comment on the beautiful sunset, the delicious ice cream, the leaves turning colors, and all the simple things we can take for granted.

• Make expressing gratitude a habit.

  • Share something great from each day or something you are grateful for at the dinner table or bedtime. Make thank you cards for anything and everything. Create a gratitude jar or journal for the family.

• Volunteer and donate to those less fortunate.

  • Get your kids involved - clean out old clothes and toys to donate. Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Participate in food drives.

• Always look for the positive.

  • Gratitude is a skill that must be taught. The more we look for the good in things, the more likely our children will too!