How to Raise a Grateful Child

Grateful parents are more likely to have grateful children. This is especially true if you share your gratitude thought process with your children. For example, if you receive a gift, express to your children that you appreciate the fact that the person who sent you the gift was thinking of you when they bought or made the gift, that they knew it was your favorite color or that you loved the theme, and that they took the time to choose something you would love. This gives children something to think about when they receive gifts other than just the joy of receiving a present.

When your child expresses gratitude spontaneously, notice them for it. Make it something they remember, and then talk about it later. Take the time, when you are calm and in a talking mood together and things are not so busy, to ask them how they felt when they expressed their gratitude. Why did they feel grateful? What about the situation made them feel thankful? It’s quite likely that their answer will sound a lot like the gratitude you share with them, which will show that they are learning from you.

We all know that sometimes children say, “thank you,” in an insincere way when they are given a treat, given a compliment, or even given a gift. But it’s important that parents enforce this simplest expression of gratitude when it’s appropriate. As children grow older, they learn to automatically express gratitude when appropriate, but not only that, they learn to feel gratitude when they receive a treat, a compliment, or a gift. And thank you notes for gifts from out-of-town relatives or friends are especially appreciated.

Gratitude is not only for receiving gifts. There are countless small things we can be thankful for daily. If you start pointing these out to your child at a young age and encourage them to find things they’re grateful for, you’ll give them an attitude that can help them be happier and more mindful as they experience the challenges life throws at them as they grow.