Cultivating gratitude

Cultivating gratitude

Published 15.02.2024 | By Йосиф

Cultivating gratitude. How to teach children to feel the value of what they have

Gratitude is one of the basic traits of a happy person. But how to raise a grateful child in our materialistic world? Basic requests like “please” and “thank you” are not enough. Gratitude is the ability to appreciate what you have. In order to instill this ability, these exercises should be repeated regularly.

Gifts of this day

Every day, no matter what time of the day, sit down with your child and list together the “gifts” of that day: moments, events, experiences for which you are grateful. It could be people, games, treats – anything. The main thing is to learn to look at what happens to us as a gift. You can even keep a “gratitude journal.”

Goodness Day

This is one day a month when you and your children do something useful for others: cleaning the yard, collecting items for charities, buying food for the dog kennel. This will help children understand the importance of giving as well as taking. This is an important component of gratitude.

Do you remember…

Good moments need to be reinforced. Remembering the pleasant events of the day, say: “Do you remember how you liked it when…,” “How happy you were when…”, “How happy you were when…”.” And even a negative situation can be turned into a reason for gratitude, for example, when you prepared something that the child refuses to eat: “It’s great that we don’t force you to eat something you don’t like!”

You are my assistant!

If children are told this, they will feel valued and will actually help and try harder.

You are caring

Part of the ability to be grateful is the ability to care for others. Even if the child is doing something routine: putting away his toys or putting his plate in the sink after eating, say: “Wow, how caring you are!” Of course, say “thank you” as well, but praising them and encouraging them to think that they are attentive, responsible and caring is very important.

What can we share with others today?

What we have known for a long time has been confirmed by scientific research: young children are happier when they have the opportunity to treat and share with others. But what brings them more joy is the gift that is dear to them: made with their own hands or bought with saved money. In fact, kind words can also be given. You can share a treat or a toy. Your job is to make sure this happens (consciously) at least once a day.

We are so lucky!

At any moment of the day, remember how lucky you are: that there are four days left before the weekend, that you have comfortable and beautiful shoes on your feet, that there is a free table and ice cream in the cafe.

How cool, right?

This exercise is similar to the previous one, but sometimes it’s better to just change the phrase for variety. “It’s great when the whole family drinks tea together, isn’t it?” or “It’s great that we have time to hang out on the couch, isn’t it?” or “It’s great that we can share thoughts and ideas, isn’t it?”

Happiness is not the result of us getting something we don’t have, it’s recognizing the value of what we have. Believe me, children, especially small ones, do not see how much your efforts cost their comfort and joyful childhood. But if you regularly practice with them in noticing and appreciating what they have, they will definitely learn to appreciate your parenting work and everything that surrounds them.

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