Exploring gratitude with your child

When it comes to raising children one thing that is always a goal is raising them with respect and manners. Teaching our children to say thank you is easy but gratitude goes much further than this. Gratitude is extremely healthy as it allows us to reflect on our lives in a positive way and leads to a more optimistic individual. Nowadays children tend to feel a sense of self entitlement which is from receiving opportunities without the hard work. With that said, it is very important for parents to teach their children how to practise gratitude the right way. Here is some advice from an independent prep school in London on exploring gratitude with your child.

Teach them to count even the smallest of blessings. 

Try and dedicate a small amount of time each day with your family members to sit together and share something positive in the day. Dinner time is a great time for this as everyone will be sat together and can discuss something special. This could be a positive interaction with a friend or a teacher or an item that is special to your child. the key is to make time to think about even the smallest details in life that make a positive impact day-to-day.

Be a good role model. 

Children learn best from the adults around them which essentially are their parents. Demonstrate gratitude to. Show your child that you are thankful for them by showing them lots of love and giving them hugs. This could be because they were kind or helped you with chores around the house. Avoid complaining too much about your problems in front of your child as it will lead them to view life in a pessimistic way.

Encourage your child to give back. 

Have them help an elderly neighbour or volunteer at the local care home. Helping others will open their eyes to what they already have and help them appreciate their blessings a lot more.

K Elizabeth xoxox

*Collaborative Post