We’re back with another sneak peek at Doctor Hammond’s soon to be titled book on raising emotionally healthy children. Today, we’re discussing the importance of encouraging your kids to have gratitude. Let’s dive right in!
Gratitude plays a major role in an adult’s well-being and therefore, this habit of being grateful must be instilled in them while they are kids. Younger children are often self-centered and selfish until they are taught to be grateful and to share. Their vision is limited to the toys and video-games they need. i.e. the “MINE” phase. You probably know the phase I’m referring to. It’s the one where any time you take a child’s toy or someone else tries to play with their things, suddenly they will shout “MINE!” and take it back. As such, parents must take initiatives to make the child feel grateful for whatever he gets. While the child is young, instilling an attitude of gratitude will help the child grow up believing they must be grateful for everything they receive, and because they are appreciative be willing to share their good fortune with others.
Children usually tend to follow in their parents’ footsteps. It is the mentality of a child to act and follow, whatever the parent does, even if unknowingly. So parents and caregivers must make a habit of being grateful, praising others, thanking others and expressing their delight on small acts of goodwill/help by others, especially when they are with their children. Similarly, parents must show their appreciation for minute things in their everyday talks with the kids- This can be done with simple things like saying they are so thankful to have sunny weather, or they are so grateful to have a dog or good neighbors.
A good practice to instill gratitude in young children is by assigning them small household chores. For example, feeding the dog or clearing the table. That way the kid will realize the magnitude of effort that goes into managing the household and be grateful in turn. Similarly, parents must teach their children to give/share and the importance of the happiness that comes from it like telling him/her to donate away the toys s/he doesn’t play with anymore. Whenever parents go on any volunteering activities, they should bring along the kids to further instill the attitude of gratitude for all they have. Other people, even children have serious needs, and allowing a child to see what others are going through can have a profound effect on whether or not they are grateful for the things they receive.
We would love a comment from you! What do you think about trying to instill an attitude of gratitude in children? What types of things have you done to make your kids more appreciative of the things they receive? Leave a comment below and tell us about it!