We all want our kids to be grateful, don’t we? After all, what’s not to love about a child who expresses appreciation for the things they have instead of always demanding more, more, more? But as any parent knows, getting kids to be grateful is easier said than done. If your attempts to instill a little gratitude in your kiddos have been met with eye rolls and groans, never fear! Here are some tips on how to teach kids to be grateful without losing their sanity in the process.
1. Model gratitude yourself.
One of the best ways to teach kids to be grateful is by modeling gratitude yourself. Speak kindly about other people and express gratitude for the good things in your own life. You can even point out specific things you’re thankful for throughout the day, like a warm bed to sleep in at night or a yummy breakfast in the morning. When kids see that their parents are grateful people, they’ll be more likely to develop that attitude themselves.
Tip: Try to avoid complaining in front of your kids as much as possible. Yes, we all have things that bother us from time to time, but constantly dwelling on the negative will only teach your kids that it’s okay to do the same.
2. Help them understand why it matters.
Just telling them “because I said so” isn’t going to cut it when it comes to teaching kids to be grateful. Instead, take some time to explain why gratitude is important. For instance, you could explain that being grateful makes us happier people and helps us attract good things into our lives. Or you could explain that expressing gratitude is a way of showing respect for the things we have been given. Whatever explanation you choose, make sure it’s one that your child can understand and relate to.
Tip: A great way to help kids understand why gratitude matters is by sharing stories of people who have overcome difficult circumstances despite being grateful for what they have.
3. Brainstorm things they can be grateful for.
Sometimes kids need a little help getting started when it comes to thinking of things they’re thankful for. Sit down with your child and brainstorm a list of all the people and things they can think of that they’re grateful for. This could include things like their parents, their home, their favorite toy, or their best friend. Once you have a list, encourage your child to pick one thing each day that they’re especially grateful for and have them tell you about it at dinner time or before bedtime.
Tip: If your child is having trouble thinking of things they’re grateful for, try this fun activity: Have them close their eyes and imagine that their house has just burned down. What are the first three things they would grab before leaving? These items are usually the things they’re most attached to and hold the greatest sentimental value, so they can be a good starting point for gratitude brainstorming.
4. Help them put it into practice.
It’s one thing to tell your child to be grateful, but it’s another thing entirely to help them put that gratitude into practice. One way to do this is by encouraging them to perform random acts of kindness for others. This could be something as simple as letting a friend go first in line, lending a toy to a neighbor, or writing a thank-you note to their teacher. Not only will this help your child feel grateful for what they have, but it will also teach them the joy of giving to others.
Tip: A great way to encourage kids to perform acts of kindness is by leading by example. Whenever you do something nice for someone, make sure to point it out to your child and explain why you did it.
5. Don’t be too hard on them (or yourself).
Teaching kids to be grateful is a process, and it’s not always going to be easy. There will be times when your child forgets to say thank you or says something ungrateful without even thinking about it. And that’s OK! Just gently remind them of the importance of gratitude and why you’re trying to help them develop that attitude. And don’t be too hard on yourself, either. Parenting is tough enough without beating yourself up over every little thing. Just do your best and know that even small steps in the right direction can make a big difference in the long run.
Tip: Try to avoid reacting harshly if your child says something ungrateful. This will only make them feel worse and could make them less likely to want to express gratitude in the future. Instead, take a deep breath and calmly explain why what they said wasn’t appropriate.
Checkout this printable gratitude journal for kids.
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Conclusion
While raising thankful children may not be easy, it’s definitely worth the effort. By modeling gratitude yourself, explaining why it matters, and helping them brainstorm things they’re grateful for, you can give your kids the tools they need to lead happy and fulfilling lives—lives filled with appreciation for all the good things life has to offer!