Six Ways to Teach Children an Attitude of Gratitude

November is National Gratitude Month and is a reminder for everyone to think about all they can be grateful for. Teaching children, especially teens, an attitude of gratitude can be difficult particularly given the entitlement many young people seem to have.

Despite the challenges of peer relationships, the media, and parents who want to give their children more than they had, there are ways to teach children to be grateful, gracious people, even teens.

Set the Example

Parents can teach children an attitude of gratitude by modeling it themselves. After all, parents are a child’s first teachers and children of all ages look to their parents regarding how to behave.

“Actions speak louder than words” and this adage is especially true when it comes to parenting. When parents say, “Thank you,” tell others how they appreciate their help, love, and support, and offer prayers of gratitude, children pick up those behaviors and attitudes.

As a parent, you have the unique opportunity, pleasure, and responsibility of teaching your children to be grateful and less entitled by demonstrating gratitude. Seize opportunities to demonstrate thanks and gratitude in front of your children.

Praise Acts of Kindness

When you see someone doing something kind, point that out to your child. Explain why it was nice and how it made both the recipient and the person giving feel.

If your child is kind, give them adequate praise. You do not have to go overboard, but you can say something like, “Sharing your toy with John was nice. I am very proud of you.”Such positive reinforcement can be powerful in teaching gratitude to children.

Educate and Encourage Giving

Parents can also educate children about what they have and what others don’t. This leads to openings for giving and teaching generosity.

Parents can take children to volunteer at animal shelters, soup kitchens, nursing homes, and foster care group homes. Explain to children that not everyone is as fortunate as they are and, despite how difficult things may be, there is always someone who is worse off. Teach them people have a shared responsibility to help those who are struggling and the less fortunate.

For example, this time of year is great for sorting toys and clothing to get rid of items not used or that are too small. Not only does this make room for gifts they are sure to get during the holidays, but it is a chance for children to donate to others. Parents can do the same and demonstrate the joy of donating themselves.

There are clothing banks and children’s organizations in every city that will gladly take donations and get them to children who might not otherwise have them. By providing children with this perspective and the chance to give, it will help them become more empathetic, grateful people.

Adopting a child or family through the Salvation Army Angel Tree project is another option this time of year to teach giving and gratitude. Make generosity and giving fun by allowing children to pick the child or family they want to help and letting them participate in the shopping, wrapping, and delivery of gifts.

Teach Children to Earn What They Want

By allowing children to earn money, they learn the value of the dollar. It also provides them with a picture of what things really cost and makes them consider that before making purchases on their own or asking for expensive gifts. Additionally, when a child earns their own money and buys something, they can take pride in the fact they bought it of their own accord.

According to the Journal of Family Relations, research suggests children tend to take better care of things when they earn the money to buy them, as it instills a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the item, making them more likely to value and maintain it properly. Paying for something on their own helps them understand the effort required to acquire it. It also makes them appreciate it more.

Do make a point to keep the allowance to a minimum, not more than a few dollars a week even for teens. Paying children too much will increase the sense of entitlement rather than teach gratitude and financial sense.

Match the Cost of Big-Ticket Items

There are times when children want to make a larger purchase, and parents can encourage them to not just save but be grateful by matching what the child saves for bigger-ticket items.

Parents can make a deal with the child that if they work hard and save for what they want, they will help with half the cost. Not only does this teach the child the value of hard work, but gratitude for the help of their parents in making the purchase.

Spend on Experiences

One of the best ways parents can instill an attitude of gratitude in children is by spending time with them. Rather than buying things, take children to experience places and events. Such trips and experiences can strengthen family bonds, give more time to model gratitude and family values, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Research shows this is especially effective for adolescents from ages 13 to 17. Across three studies, teens derived more happiness from experiences than from possessions, according to HEC Paris.

While teens may seem to avoid parents, the truth is they really want time with their parents, from playing new games together to traveling. Spend time doing things together with your children and tell them how grateful you are to have had those experiences with them.

Teaching children an attitude of gratitude starts at home. Parents can model gracious behavior, support them in their volunteerism and giving efforts, and spend time making memories with them. These are lessons that will sit with children for a lifetime and teach them to be happy, grateful, and giving people. For more information about teaching your child how to have an attitude of gratitude, visit Jiguar online or contact us at info@jiguar.com.