Raising grateful children is not as simple as having them memorize the alphabet. Sure, they can learn it by rote, but genuine appreciation is an ongoing process up until they reach adulthood. Toddlers are expected to be self-centered, but teaching them the value of appreciation at a very young age will keep them from becoming spoiled, entitled people somewhere down the line.

Don’t equate special occasions with gifts

Momentous events such as birthdays and Christmas often highlight the acquisitive nature of children. It has become the norm to equate these events to kids getting as many gifts as their little heart’s desire. Instead, help them focus on what the occasion really means. For instance, you can sit them down and have them list three things they are thankful for on their birthday and at Christmas.

And, instead of making it a habit to get them stuff they want on pegged occasions, why not surprise them with a treat on days when they are extra-good? Doing so can help you explain how much you appreciate their good behavior.

Encourage thank-you notes

As previously mentioned, kids can learn how to say thank you at a very young age. Strengthen this habit by having them write or draw thank-you notes to people they receive gifts or favors from. This activity will encourage them to see the positive things in the stuff they got and list them down, instead of focusing on what they don’t have.

Have kids participate in everyday chores

When kids learn the value of work before rewards, they will eventually become more appreciative of things they receive as gifts. Children who never have to lift a finger to get what they want will have a hard time developing a grateful attitude, since they have no idea of the effort that goes behind obtaining it.

Designate a “thankful” part of the day

Before bedtime or during meals, have the whole family enumerate what it is they’re thankful for that happened during the day. A simple “mom hugged me” or “the dog was extra playful” are more than enough to have young kids reflect on what they should be appreciative of…even in the smallest things.

Lead by example

If you catch yourself criticizing an unattractive gift you received from someone, stop. If you’re always whining about other people’s shortcomings, stop. Kids pick up negative behavior like this, so be vigilant about it. Instead, create an atmosphere of gratefulness by saying “thank you” to people who do even little things for you, such as someone opening the door when your hands are full. Kids will find it easier to be thankful by default if you make a habit of doing it yourself.

Best of luck!

Julie McCaffrey

About Julie McCaffrey

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

The post Teaching Kids the Attitude of Gratitude appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

With the month of November comes Thanksgiving, which reminds us all to be thankful for the wonderful things each of us has. Throughout my 26 years of being a dad I’ve learned to express thanks and gratitude for something everyday, whether big or small. And I’ve tried hard to instill that same sense of thanks in each of my six children. Teaching kids to be thankful is not always the easiest task, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but if you follow my tips you’re sure to be headed in the right direction.

Lead By Example: First things first, it’s extremely important to lead by example. Allow your children to watch you express gratitude to a friend or a neighbor for their kind acts of generosity. It’s also important to thank your child when they act in a positive way or do something special for you. Your acknowledgement will make them want to do more good things to receive those special thanks.

What Are You Thankful For: Traditionally families discuss things they’re thankful for around the dinner table on Thanksgiving; however, I would encourage each of you to expand this tradition outside of November. If it works for you to mention one thing you’re thankful for everyday – that’s great. If not, make sure you make a special time for each family member to share what they’re thankful for once a week or once a month. Turning this Thanksgiving tradition into a routine will encourage your child to reflect more often upon what they’re truly thankful for.

Do Nice Things for Others: Doing nice things for other people is one of the greatest things we can do, as parents, to instill gratitude and thanks in our children. It’s the simple acts of kindness that allow us to experience thanks and gratitude from others. Bake a loaf of bread for your nanny along with a special card your child can help decorate, let your child give the UPS man a bag of homemade cookies along with a “thanks for delivering our packages,” etc. Brainstorm, with your child ways in which they can do nice things for others and then work through that list together.

Encourage Helping: Having your child help around the house will ensure they don’t take you or mom for granted. If you always clear the table or sort the laundry or pick up your child’s toys then they won’t know what effort each activity takes. Encourage them to help you with chores or give them a couple of their own chores – that way you can give thanks and appreciation for their help, and they will give you thanks and appreciation for all that you do to keep the house running smoothly.

Remember teaching children to be thankful doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a process. Be patient and take it one day at a time trying to express gratitude at every opportunity you receive.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 6, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gear for dads, and the Daddyscrubs.com blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Teaching Kids to Be Thankful appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.