Gratitude - More Than
an Attitude
Teaching our Children the Joy of Being Grateful
By
Dr. Caron B. Goode
www.acpi.biz
Gratitude is
more than an attitude. Recent studies show that grateful people
are happier, more resilient, and less depressed. They also have
higher self-esteem and better relationships. These results prove
that gratitude is more than polite manners and positive
thinking. It is a way of life, and a wonderful legacy to leave
our children.
Plus, the beauty
of gratitude is that it does not have to come naturally. It can
be taught. A study by Dr. Michael McCullough, professor of
psychology and religious studies at the University of Miami,
demonstrates just that. McCullough, who also co-authored The
Psychology of Gratitude, asked his subjects to write down
four or five things they were grateful for each day. In as
little as two weeks, they began feeling happier. This
illustrates that gratitude can not only be taught, but that it
is relatively simple to do so.
Seven Simple Ways to Teach Your Children Gratitude
-
Daily Dose. Take time
each day to encourage your children to express gratitude.
They can do this by making an entry in a family journal or
by simply talking about what they are grateful for.
-
Model Thanks. As with
everything, modeling is the best way to teach your children
to be grateful. Be lavish with your thanks. Thank your
children for hugs. Thank the cashier for ringing up your
groceries. Thank the bus driver for returning your students
home safely. Letting your children see that you are grateful
will encourage them to be so as well.
-
Establish Rituals. We
all know the importance of family rituals. Establishing
rituals that highlight being thankful is a wonderful
teaching tool. Start dinner with each family member sharing
what they are most grateful for. Say goodnight by sharing
what you were thankful for that day. Any ritual that based
on gratitude will reinforce its power.
-
Volunteer. Volunteering
is a great way for your children to see gratitude in action.
There are numerous chances in every community to volunteer.
Homeless shelters, nursing homes, and mentoring programs are
just a few. There may also be other opportunities closer to
home. Perhaps an elderly relative or neighbor could use a
hand. It feels good to help others. Therefore, your children
not only benefit from that, but they also get to experience
the warmth of appreciation. Two things for which they can be
grateful.
-
Assign Chores.
Children learn by doing chores. They learn what it means to
be part of a whole. They learn their contributions are
important. They also learn that most things take effort.
Simple household chores can help children learn to be
grateful when they benefit from the efforts of others.
-
Thank You Notes.
Writing thank you notes for gifts is a very literal way of
teaching your children gratitude. Putting down on paper what
they enjoyed about a particular gift, reminds your children
why they are grateful for it.
-
Find Your Gratitude.
Always be on the lookout for things to be grateful for and
express your gratitude. When your children hear you say
things like, “Buster is such a good dog” or “What a
beautiful day”, they realize they can be grateful for even
the smallest of things.
Dr. Caron B.
Goode is the founder of the Academy for Coaching Parents
International, a training and certification program for parent
coaches. In addition to duties with the academy, Goode is the
founding editor of the website InspiredParenting.net, and
the author of eleven books, the most recent of which is Help
Kids Cope with Stress & Trauma, which includes several
chapters on he use of storytelling strategies. For more
information on The Academy for Coaching Parents International or
to sign up for academy announcements, visit
www.acpi.biz .
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