by Sara Bybee, LCSW
Center for Safe & Healthy Families
Now that October has come and gone and the days are colder and shorter, it’s easy to fall into a rut or feel pessimistic. However, November brings Thanksgiving and a time for us to remember what we’re grateful for. Adopting an “attitude of gratitude” can help put to rest those negative feelings and remind us what’s truly important.
In a study published by the Journal of School Psychology, children were asked to list five things they were grateful for every day for two weeks. Researchers found that these children (compared with those assigned to list five hassles) had a better outlook on school and greater life satisfaction just three weeks later.
In fact, cultivating gratitude can increase happiness levels by around 25 percent, as well as improve empathy and optimism, according to the study. So how can we teach our kids the value of gratitude? Here are some tips for incorporating gratitude into their everyday lives:
- Schedule gratitude into your daily routine. Go around the dinner table and have everyone say one thing they are grateful for or appreciated that day or encourage nightly prayers.
- Have children draw or write thank you notes for every gift received. This teaches them to appreciate what they receive-and that they will make someone else happy who receives their note.
- Work gratitude into everyday conversations. Try modeling gratitude for your children by frequently stating what you are grateful for or things that you appreciate. This will help reinforce the idea of gratitude.
- Assign household chores such as feeding the dog or stacking dishes. Having kids help around the house helps them realize all that you do on a daily basis and they will appreciate your efforts more; Be sure to thank your children for doing their chores.
- Encourage generosity. Donate gently used toys/clothes with your children or bake a cake for a sick neighbor. Kids will usually be excited to have the opportunity to help others—especially if you talk about how grateful the recipient will be for their generosity.
- Practice saying “No” to your kids. If you say yes every time your child asks for toys, candy, or more TV time, it will be difficult for them to feel grateful for the small things. Saying “No” makes the times you say “Yes” so much sweeter.
By modeling and encouraging gratitude, you help foster happier, conscientious children who aim to make a difference in the lives of others.
