Exploring Gratitude with Your Child

Teaching your child to be grateful for what they have and the people in their life will allow them to look at situations with an appreciative outlook, rather than focussing on shortfalls. As a result, your child might lead a happier and more fulfilled life, with stronger relationships. So, if you’re wondering how you can raise a grateful child, here are some tips from a private college in Berkshire.

Teach Good Manners

Reminding your child to say please and thank you will teach them that they are not entitled. Everything that comes their way is a privilege and they should be grateful for it.

Help Those in Need

Encouraging your child to offer a helping hand to someone in need will help them appreciate how fortunate they are. They could volunteer at a homeless shelter or simply help their grandma with the gardening; anything that reminds them that not everyone is as lucky as they are.

Send Thank You Cards

One great way to demonstrate gratitude is to encourage your child to send thank you cards. They could give on to their teacher at the end of term, or to all of their friends who attended their birthday party. The idea is to look for the people who have added value to your child’s life and encourage them to show their appreciation.

Write a Gratitude Journal

Each evening after school, encourage your child to fill out a gratitude journal in which they list some of the things they appreciate that day. It could be something as simple as someone sharing a snack with them or giving them a lift to school but will allow them to focus on their prosperities.

Share Your Gratitude Verbally

If your child doesn’t want to keep a gratitude journal, perhaps you could take it in turns as a family to share what you’re grateful for out loud instead. You could do this at the dinner table, in the car on the way home, or even at bedtime.

Look on the Bright Side

Try and look at the good in life even when things aren’t going to plan. For instance, you might have to cancel plans to go to the zoo due to bad weather, but at least you have a cinema near home that you can go to instead. If you always look for the positives, even in a bad situation, your child is more likely to do the same.

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