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Saying please and thank you is often one of the first social rules that parents teach their kids. We all want our children to be grateful for what they have, so they can have better relationships, be able to empathize, and be happier. If you want to reinforce the importance of gratitude, here are some easy tips.
Set An Example
Children from watching their parents. Show them how to be grateful by saying a genuine thank you to the waiter who serves you, the person who holds the door open for you, or your neighbor who helps you bring the shopping in. Thank you children when they do helpful things, like putting away their toys or helping you to set the table, so they know they’re appreciated.
Point Out Generosity
Call attention to occasions when people go above and beyond what’s expected, such as helping without being asked, being very thoughtful, or taking the time to do something because it’s important to somebody else. Show them that you will notice if they do generous, thoughtful things.
Have A Talk
Some young children struggle to understand emotions. It can help to talk about showing appreciation for others and how it makes people feel. Ask them how they feel when people say thank you to them, and how they feel when they don’t. Talking about their own feelings will help them to understand how their behavior makes others feel.
Talk to them about gratitude for things too. For example, an expensive birthday gift, like a traxxas rustler 4×4, is something your child should understand that they should be very grateful for.
Find Fun Ways To Say Thanks
There are a lot of ways that you can show gratitude. If your child doesn’t like talking to strangers or struggles to express themselves in writing, you can work together to find another way to show their appreciation. They could do something like smiling or a thumbs up if someone holds a door for them, or show grandma appreciation for their Christmas gift by drawing a nice picture instead of writing a card.
Share The Love
Encourage your children to think of people who help them, from their teachers to their friends, and encourage them to say thank you by making some cookies or cupcakes. Making and giving the treats will be fun, and help your kids to see how well connected they are.
Put Things In Perspective
Talk to your children about people less fortunate about them. Be careful not to frighten them, but don’t lie to them about the world either. Understanding that not everyone has the same advantages in life as they do will help them to have compassion for others and gratitude for their own lot in life.
Let Kids Choose
Encourage your children to turn their interests into action. Whether this is through a fundraising drive at school, a charity run, or a bake sale, expressing their interests and using something they’re good at to do good is a great way to increase their confidence while giving back at the same time.
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