How to Teach Children to be Thankful

As members of society, children have learned what they have seen, materialism and wanting to excess with no need for gratitude, is the norm. Thankfulness means being grateful for things and knowing how lucky we are to get them. It's a lesson that children, and some adults, need to be taught.

Instructions

    • 1

      Expect good behavior and grades as the norm and not a special occasion for rewards. Just because the kids are behaved and not pulling down the rafters at the store doesn't make it necessary to get them some sugary sweet treat.

    • 2

      Reward children with your time and love and not always a material object. Plan a special cooking time, or an hour of your undivided attention as an incentive for a wonderful gesture or thoughtful action your child performed.

    • 3

      Volunteer at places where you can bring children to help. Soup kitchens, Red Cross local offices, churches and clothing banks always need people to help those in need. The feeling of helping others makes people feel better and hopefully motivates them to show gratitude to others when they help or do something to them. Contact the place you want to volunteer to make sure it is an appropriate place for the child's age group.

    • 4

      Show your thankfulness every day by practicing what you preach. Whether you pray together as a family, say grace at the table or just give hugs and thanks that you are a family together, the sentiment will rub off on the children.

    • 5

      Practice thankfulness all year. "Thank you" and "please" are small but effective ways to show gratitude and to keep the thoughtfulness mood rolling through out the year. Small gestures of niceness can become contagious.

    • 6

      Make a big deal when you do reward children for their special actions and achievements. They work hard to attain their goals and make you proud and do deserve treats now and then.

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