Gratitude is a value that every child must develop to be able to understand what others do for him. Being grateful is an important personal characteristic along with other dispositions, such as generosity and kindness. A grateful child is less selfish. Therefore, teaching gratitude to children is extremely important, because it will make them happier
Teaching gratitude to children is a slow task. It is about accompanying their biological development so that they can enjoy this wonderful virtue. Teaching gratitude to children goes beyond the simple habit of simply responding with a “thank you.” Instilling in them a sense of gratitude is very different. We’re not just talking about good manners, gratitude is a mindset, a personality trait, and a way of life. Therefore, gratitude is a value that every child must develop to be able to understand what others do for him. Being grateful is an important personal characteristic along with other dispositions, such as generosity and kindness. A grateful child is less selfish. Therefore, teaching gratitude to children is extremely important, because it will make them happier.
1.HOW TO TEACH GRATITUDE TO CHILDREN?
Hundreds of studies agree that, among many benefits, practicing gratitude leads to positive emotions. Reduces the risk of depression;
Fosters fulfilling relationships;
Increases the ability to recover from stressful life events.
There is no doubt that teaching children to be grateful is a great gift to them and to the people around them. Here are some useful strategies.
2.TEACH CHILDREN GRATEFUL BY SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE
Parents and other adult reference figures are the first role models for children. If they see their parents being generous, having fun and appreciating the good things that happen to them, no matter how small, they will tend to follow their example. If, on the other hand, children see their parents and other adults always complaining about everything, behaving rudely and never being satisfied with anything, it will be very difficult for them to understand what it means to be and feel grateful.
2.HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THAT OTHERS HAVE CERTAIN NEEDS TOO
It is natural for children to be selfish and it is difficult to make them understand that the world is wide and does not revolve around their desires. Biologically, the ability to exit their universe will be acquired over time; however, we can help them starting from the family environment. We need to help them understand that we all have desires and that, often, they are in some sense opposite or not very compatible with those of others. The inability to satisfy them can cause frustration, shifting attention from what we have to creating a world made of what we lack.
3.TEACH CHILDREN APPRECIATION AND THE VALUE OF SHARING
A child who learns to share with others also understands how to appreciate what he has, and this has to do with facilities, comforts and people to rely on. Sharing requires learning to be respectful of others and broadening the world’s horizons.
4.EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF SAYING “THANK YOU”
In our mission to teach gratitude to children, we must emphasize one concept: thanks should not become something mechanical, which children learn to say when they receive something; though at first it is only a word to them, they must learn its true meaning. The habit of saying thank you will gradually help them to ask themselves the real reason why they feel grateful.
- THANK THEM WHEN THEY DO SOMETHING GOOD
When children do something good, we should thank them. Showing gratitude to them is essential, as we want them to do the same. It is part of the example we should try to set. In this way, children will discover that they are important and that there are simple things that please others and make them happy. At the same time, they will also want to reveal these things to others.
TALK ABOUT THE THINGS YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR
It is fair to ask the child to express why he feels grateful, without scolding him for not appreciating something. In this way, you can get to know him better and discover aspects of his character that need to be strengthened, to consolidate the concept of gratitude. Adults should also explain to children why they feel grateful. In this way, they can expand their view of the world and engage in a dialogue that helps them appreciate the good things that happen in their lives.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING GRATEFUL
The problem is that gratitude doesn’t always come naturally. The negative aspects of life, such as disappointments, resentments and fears, sometimes take more of our attention than the positive aspects, causing us to not accept gratitude as a distinctive personality trait. Robert Emmons, an academic expert on gratitude, argues that intentionally developing a grateful perspective allows you to be more satisfied with life.
In our commitment to teach children gratitude, we will have to emphasize to them that many of the good things that happen to us are “gifts” that we were lucky enough to receive. By expressing gratitude, we will be able to change the emotional tone of our lives and create more space for joy and connection with others.
