Teaching Thankfulness/Gratitude to Young Children

The act of being thankful is a muscle we all need to exercise from time to time. I believe it is extremely important for kids to see their loved ones showing thankfulness, being thankful and demonstrating how thankfulness works. That being said, it doesn’t take much time or effort on our part to do those things. It takes intentionality and consistency starting at a young age. November is PERFECT month to exercise our thankfulness muscles with Thanksgiving.

Here are some ideas to help you “teach” thankfulness to your child(ren)this month.

1. Model your own gratitude. This is probably the most important tip, which is why I’ve listed it first. Your child learns by watching you and others around her. So, show gratitude every day. Show appreciation for the people who help you at home, at stores, or at work. Say thank you to the grocery store clerk, the delivery person, your spouse or significant other. Say thank you to your child when she does something you appreciate. Talk about being thankful and grateful for things, actions, and people in everyday conversations with your child—and in front of your child. Tell your child why you’re thankful for her, too!
2. Each day of the month of November have each person of the family state what they are thankful for. Try to dig deep and stay away from superficial comments.
3. Create a “Thankful Tree” where each day you write what you are thankful for and attach it to an artificial tree (see link) https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/new-thanksgiving-tradition-create-a-thankful-tree
4. Give your child chores to do! When he sees the work that goes into daily living, then he can better understand why gratitude is important. Many preschoolers can:

• Set and clear the table.
• Dust the furniture.
• Feed pets.
• Pick up toys.
• Help to cook meals.
• Carry in some groceries.
• Mop areas with help.
• Take laundry to the laundry room.
• Be sure and show your appreciation when your child completes his/her chores, too.

5. Resist the urge to give him/her everything their little heart desires, all the time. It’s tempting to give your child all the things that you wanted as a child. But keep in mind that this only creates a sense of entitlement in your child. Soon, he’ll begin to expect the newest toy or game. Saying “no” to a request teaches your child appreciation for the times you say “yes.

6. Help your child five to others. When your child learns to give her time and energy to others, she is less likely to take things for granted (like her own family, health, and home). Here are some ideas:

• Make gift-giving a daily activity. Daily gifts include hugs, kisses, smiles, jokes, nice notes, acts of kindness, and drawings. Each day, your child chooses a gift idea from the jar and surprises a family member or friend.
• Discuss a neighbor or friend who might need a little encouragement or help. Then take them a simple gift. An encouraging gift can be as simple as a clipped rose from a rose bush taken to an older neighbor. Or it can be a plate of cookies that you’ve baked together.
• If you have leftovers from a large meal, share the bounty! Let your child help you take the extra food to an older neighbor or friend who might appreciate a meal for one.
• Help your child choose old clothes or other items to take to local service organizations. Make sure she goes with you to deliver them.

7. Point out the simple pleasures in life. The ability to enjoy each moment leads to a grateful heart. Teach your child appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, such as gentle rain, a star-filled night sky, a multitude of fireflies at dusk, and a glorious sunset. Point out these wonders and marvel at them in front of your child. You can also show appreciation for a delicious meal, music, and peaceful moments with your child.