As we gather around a table for Thanksgiving, it’s important to teach our children that the holiday is about more than food, more than seeing friends and family, more than a kick-off to the holiday season. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to teach children about getting along with those who may hold different values and beliefs as well as the importance of gratitude. Teaching gratitude helps children develop a positive outlook in life, reduces stress and anxiety, fosters stronger relationships, and sets children up to become more resilient adults with a healthier mindset. Some research even suggests that being grateful can lengthen your lifespan.
So before we start carving turkeys and dishing out the stuffing, GAMECHANGER is sharing 5 suggestions for teaching children the importance of gratitude.
- Have a conversation. Talking to your children about the meaning of gratitude is a simple yet vital way to share feelings and develop an understanding of the importance of gratitude. Ask your children how they feel when people say they’re proud of something kind they did, appreciate their help, or thank them for a gesture. Then ask your children how they feel when they are not acknowledged for an act of kindness. Before your children go to sleep, ask them to tell you three things about which they are grateful. Discussing feelings, making children aware that their behavior and actions can change the way other people feel, will help them develop stronger socio-emotional skills and recognize the importance of gratitude.
- Create a gratitude jar. As we start the holiday season, filled with gifts and requests, now is a great time to create a gratitude jar. Have each family member place a note in the jar every day, with a simple message about something for which they are thankful. Taking the five minutes a day to think about one thing that made you and your children happy that day offers everyone a moment to be mindful. So, as children fill this jar, they become more and more aware of the good in their lives. And they find things about which to be happy and appreciative. As family gathers around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving, everyone can read their gratitude notes and reflect on why they felt happy at that moment.
- Give back. Explain to your children that not every person is fortunate enough to live a comfortable life. Make sure that they understand that not everyone has the same advantages. And talk to them about finding ways to help others. Start out simple. Maybe suggest donating food or clothing to a local shelter. Or donating holiday gifts for children who will not be receiving any gifts this holiday season. Importantly, don’t forget to discuss the impact that every single donation makes on those in need. This will not only teach children compassion, it will also teach them to turn thoughts into actions. It will teach them that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference in others’ lives. Finally, it will teach them to be grateful for everything they have.
- Point out other people’s generosity. When people go out of their way to do something kind – helping without being asked, taking time to do something for another person, or simply being extra thoughtful – point it out to your children. Point out local public service people – like police officers and fire people – who go out of their way to keep their communities safe and help people every single day. Teach children that positive behaviors, acts of kindness, are more noticeable than negative behaviors.
- Find fun ways to say “thank you” to others. Thank your children effusively for the simplest acts of kindness, like holding the door open or bringing you a jacket or pen; over-exaggerating can enthusiastically prove a point. Throw a “thank you notes” party. Encourage your younger children to draw pictures for a kind teacher, family member, or friend who went out of their way to help them. Bake a special treat for someone who performed an act of kindness. Encouraging children to find creative ways to demonstrate gratitude will get them to more readily recognize acts of kindness.
GAMECHANGER Tutoring Connection is particularly grateful for our community of families this season. We remain committed to supporting families by connecting them to exceptional tutors, to helping children gain skills and confidence, and to teaching children life skills to help them be successful throughout their lives.
