Many of us are thinking of ways to be grateful for what we have. Furthermore, although it’s good to step back and assess the situation, appreciation isn’t something that should be hoarded for a later time. Every day, we should all try to spend a little time being mindful. Furthermore, children may find it more difficult to grasp and practice thankfulness than adults do. In fact, gratitude may even be puzzling to them.
Additionally, there are a ton of materials available online to assist with the practice, even if most of them are primarily geared toward adults. However, since thankfulness should be instilled in children at a young age, here are some simple ways to help your child develop thankfulness every day.
What is the Meaning of Gratitude?
Before we get started, consider these thoughts about thankfulness.
Gratitude is just an attitude of appreciation and thankfulness for all the positive things in your life. Gratitude practices usually begin with material goods, even though some adults and children may focus on them. However, it never ends there.
You may become more materialistic when you don’t know what thankfulness is. That’s usually when a professional can step in and educate adults and children alike to realize that thankfulness isn’t only about material possessions.
People often discover they have far more than they realize when they go past tangible possessions and become more explicit about the things they cherish. This is when things really start to open.
Kids can also benefit from thankfulness, as studies have shown that it can lower stress and anxiety in adults, increase empathy, improve social interactions, and even improve physical health (1, 2).
How to Inspire Your Children to be Thankful
Make everything kid-friendly
Most parents find that the first step in helping their children develop appreciation is to express it to them in language that makes sense for their age and emotional development. You most likely won’t use the word appreciation if your child is extremely young. It might be wiser to use a phrase like “thank you,” as even young children will comprehend this fundamental idea.
When discussing thankfulness with their children, parents of older children may be more accommodating.
Allow your kids to take the initiative.
Children often have some brilliant ideas. Ask them for suggestions on how they would like to show their gratitude after you have discussed the idea with them. They’re also probably going to think of more original ideas than any adult has ever thought of.
Furthermore, individuals are significantly more likely to commit and follow through when the concept originates with them. They won’t see it as just another task that their parents have assigned them.
Set an example of the conduct
Being grateful shouldn’t be limited to children alone. Whether it’s adopting a less fortunate family, starting a garden in an impoverished neighborhood, or volunteering at a homeless shelter, parents can promote the practice of gratitude in their families by selecting an activity that everyone can participate in.
This can foster conversation and strengthen the bonds between your family in addition to teaching your youngster the value of appreciation.
Creative Ways to Teach Children to be Grateful Every Day
Inspire children to try journaling
Journaling is one of the best ways for older children to practice thankfulness. It doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful to sit down and write. Start your youngster off by giving them a blank sheet of paper, which they should then fill in with three columns: people, places, and objects.
Although this is a wonderful exercise for cultivating thankfulness, it is important to remain consistent because it is only then that we will start to notice a shift in our way of thinking.
Make a board of gratitude
A thankfulness board is an option for older children. They can observe the outward manifestation of their thankfulness and watch it grow with time. Naturally, this one will resemble a collage more, and your child is welcome to keep it in their room.
Consider keeping a thankfulness jar
Seeing the results of their gratitude truly brings joy to children. Try a thankfulness jar if your child acts like that.
It’s also just as simple as it seems. Begin by filling a small jar with blank paper slips.
Encourage your child to write in the jar each day something for which they are thankful. Better yet, students are free to express their creativity and have fun by decorating the jar with stickers, colored paper, and other materials. With this activity, your youngster can see what they’re doing. Over time, they may genuinely witness their gratitude growing.
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To Wrap Things Up
Bringing gratitude into everyday life may have a significant impact on kids and adults alike, encouraging a happier and more compassionate perspective. Making gratitude a regular habit not only improves our own wellbeing but also gives our kids important life lessons.
Children can develop a concrete and profound appreciation for the world around them by engaging in easy, imaginative activities such as gratitude journals, boards, and jars. By participating in these activities together, families strengthen their ties and develop a sense of gratitude that is shared by all. Practicing thankfulness is a lifelong gift that improves both our own and those around us.
Sources |
- Effects of gratitude meditation on neural network functional connectivity and brain-heart coupling – PMC (nih.gov)
- A Grateful Heart is a Nonviolent Heart: Cross-Sectional, Experience Sampling, Longitudinal, and Experimental Evidence – C. Nathan DeWall, Nathaniel M. Lambert, Richard S. Pond, Todd B. Kashdan, Frank D. Fincham, 2012 (sagepub.com)
Such a great post Jasmine! Love that you added information for moms to teach children Gratitude.
You’re most welcome!! Thank you kindly 💜
Such an excellent post! We are always working to encourage gratitude in our children and I love your suggestions!
You’re most welcome!! 💜 and thank you!