Thanksgiving is approaching, which means it is time to think about things you are grateful for. You may be feeling thankful for your health, family, occupation, home, many different things, especially your little ones, but what is your child grateful for? According to ChildMind.org, teaching your children to be appreciative can improve their relationships, empathy, and happiness, so it is time to teach them thankfulness!

Not only do you want your child to reap the benefits of being grateful, but as parents, you want your children to appreciate everything they have in life and not take certain things for granted. If you are trying to reinforce gratitude in raising your child, we are here to provide helpful tips to raising grateful children!

Be a Good Example

Your children will learn a lot from watching you, as their parents. Show them what it means to be grateful, whether it is thanking someone for holding the door or helping a friend get up from the ground, and be sure to include your kids, too.

Talk About Your Feelings

Talking about feelings with children to help understand emotions can have a considerable impact. When someone says “thank you,” ask them, “How did that make you feel?” This gives them the example of what feelings are associated with doing nice things versus when they do not. This then brings the connection of how their behavior might affect others.

Set Expectations

Having your child fundraise at school, host a bake sale, or take part in anything for a good cause is a fantastic way to boost your child’s confidence and understanding of gratefulness while allowing that chance to give back at the same time.

Practice Saying “Thank You”

This is often unrelated to gratitude and is more of a social custom, but saying “thank you” can be heartfelt and meaningful too. Having your child watch and hear you say the phrase to those doing a good deed or helping can help your child get a better understanding of the importance of the phrase.

Share the Love

There are many fun ways to show gratitude to others! Does your child love to color? Great! Draw a nice picture for Grandma to show how much you care and appreciate her. Then, giving your child a high five, hug, thumbs up, or telling them “good job” will help solidify that connection.

Praise Your Children

Tuning in to your children’s ways of being grateful and rewarding them will let them know that their appreciation is exemplary and should be their way of life.

Giving your child the gift of gratefulness during the holiday season can be one of the most rewarding and important gifts to give. Gratitude has so many positive outcomes when children display thankfulness. We hope this article helps teach your children and encourage you to share this article with family and friends!