Happy Veterans Day! Today is the day that we celebrate the men and women who past and current, work hard to make sure our great country experiences freedom and remains a democracy. On a day like today, in the season of thanksgiving, it is easy to remember to be thankful and express that thankfulness to those service men and women around us. But what about the rest of the year? Admittedly, I am one of those people who is grumpy and un-thankful sometimes, forgetting all that has been done for me and all the blessings that have been showered upon me and my family. Thanksgiving often brings out the "thankfulness" in all of us, but isn't it important to be thankful year round, and to teach our kids to express gratitude as well?
Teaching thankfulness can be difficult. The children of today often are growing up in an era where they rarely here the word "no" and often have an over abundance of things that they do not necessarily need. However, it is SO important to raise thankful kids and here are some ways that you can help your kids to gain an 'attitude of gratitude.'
You can often teach thankfulness by leading through example. If you are thankful and can learn to express that verbally, often your kids will follow suit. It is sometimes difficult to remember that the simple "chores" in life that we might consider a burden (such as cooking AND then also cleaning up the kitchen, right moms?) are the fallout from a greater blessing: being blessed with children whom you love and love you back. If you, as a parent are able to express thankfulness to and for your children, they often will learn to do the same. Another way you can be an example for your children is by giving thoughtfully yourself. Build charity into your budget and have your kids be a part of picking out a purchase or giving to a non-profit that will benefit another child or parent in your area. Explain to them the process and allow them to participate - this will teach them what giving selflessly really looks like.
Also, be sure to reward thankfulness and good manners, especially when your children are very young. By reward, I don't mean a physical present or money, but when you hear your kids say 'thank you' take the time to stop what you are doing and simply acknowledge their thanks, give them a hug, and tell them how proud of them you are for their grateful attitude. Teaching your kids how to share everything will also help them to see that sharing benefits others, giving them a selfless attitude about material items in life. Expressing approval and encouragement when an expression of thankfulness comes from your children will encourage them to continue on the path of being thankful.
Another suggestion is to go through the motions of helping your kids to give to and help others. This can be as simple as having them go through their old toys and clothes and picking out the ones that they would like to donate to other children that year. Encourage your kids to give gifts to others, and to participate in such things as "Operation Christmas Child," which involves picking out gifts for a another child and sending them in a shoebox. Help your kids to pick out gifts for others that are thoughtful and reflect an attitude of truly wanting to bless someone else through the gift.
Additionally, expose your kids to some events and circumstances that will help to raise their level of gratitude. By this, I don't mean traumatizing your children through horrible images of starving people or homeless children. Instead, talk to your children while serving them dinner, reminding them that some families are not eating dinner tonight. Or, after a hot bath or shower, explain to your kids the fact that many children never take a hot bath due to their being without warm water facilities. Maybe take your kids with you to serve dinner at a soup kitchen one evening. (Remember, this may be age appropriate for older children only!) Or have them help you volunteer at church putting together food baskets for families in your area. These hands-on experiences will teach your kids to serve others.
Lastly, create family traditions that will encourage thankfulness. This can be done in many ways. Maybe each year construct a "thankful tree" or "thankful chain", where everyone writes down several things they are thankful for that year as leaves or a link to the chain. At Christmas, have your children help pick out gifts for others. Maybe each night as you tuck them in bed encourage them to name one thing they are thankful for that happened that day. These small traditions can encourage your children to learn to be thankful and to express that appreciation through simple, everyday actions.
Teaching your children to be thankful for what they have, no matter how much or how little, will help them to help others someday and will give them a positive outlook on life, no matter what their situation is. Giving your kids the blessing of learning to be grateful and having a positive attitude could perhaps be the greatest gift that you give to them. So start now and show them by example. As a parent, each day practice being thankful so that your kids can learn too. Here are some great resources for following through with some of the suggestions listed above:
http://www.metrofamilymagazine.com/November-2012/Easy-Tips-For-Raising-Thankful-Kids/
http://www.justmommies.com/articles/giving-thanks.shtml
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/articles/give_thanks.aspx
Have a great week everyone and practice thankfulness! Enjoy your kids!
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