DAD: Aww. What do you say to Auntie? CHILD: Thank you.
We spend a lot of time reinforcing good manners, like reminding our kids to give thanks.
The importance of gratitude is much deeper. Gratitude is key to building strong relationships.
And research shows grateful kids are happier and more optimistic.
Here are some tips to cultivate gratitude in our children. Scientists have identified four parts of gratitude,
and we can have conversations with our children to help their gratitude grow using
NOTICE-THINK-FEEL-DO questions.
DAD: Did you notice how she knit your favorite animal?
Help your kids notice the gift behind the gift.
DAD: Why do you think you received this gift? CHILD: Well, it’s not my birthday or anything.
Auntie is always telling me how much she loves me.
DAD: How does her gift make you feel?
CHILD: Roar! Happy!
DAD: Is there a way you want to show how you feel?
Kids won’t always experience all the parts of gratitude, and that’s okay. Asking our children what they
notice, think, and feel about things they receive and what they might want to do after will help them.
And it can encourage them to express their gratitude beyond saying thank you.
As our children grow, they’ll have more opportunities to experience gratitude.
Studies show grateful kids and teens are less likely
to be jealous depressed and materialistic and more likely to be
satisfied with their community, engaged and doing well in school and have better social support.
Developing gratitude takes practice, reflection, and time.
And when our children are able to experience all the parts of gratitude,
they are more likely to use their strengths to help others and make their community better.