For Christian parents focused on developing godly character in their children, gratitude is often at the top of the list. A child’s grateful heart nurtures their emotional well-being and instills empathy, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for life’s blessings. It also forms a beautiful testimony to the world about God’s goodness.
Unfortunately, gratitude typically doesn’t come naturally. Like us, our children can be more focused on what they lack than the many blessings they have. However, there are ways to cultivate a grateful heart in your child.
Model Gratitude
Children learn by observing the people they know. When parents, teachers, and caregivers are characterized by being thankful for big and small things, children are more likely to adopt the same attitude. Parents can display this attitude by focusing on the good in even difficult situations, appreciating and enjoying little daily delights, and limiting complaints.
Another way to model gratitude for your child is to express your thanks to him. As parents, we are often correcting our child’s wayward behavior. This is an important part of being a parent. But even more powerful than correction is expressing genuine words of gratitude when your child blessed or helps you. Look for opportunities to say, “I really appreciate how you kept your little sister happy while we were waiting in line at the bank; It was such a help to me” or, “It was such a blessing to come home at the end of a busy day and see that you had picked up your toys.”
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that encourages being present in the moment and cultivating an awareness of a person’s thoughts and feelings. Parents can incorporate mindfulness into daily activities and routines. You can encourage your child to reflect on positive aspects of their lives. If attitudes are heading south, it can be helpful to share what you are thankful for in the moment and ask your child to do the same. Even a little gratitude for the tiniest thing can help bring about a needed attitude adjustment.
Some families have a regular practice of sharing the highlight of each day during dinner. This can be prompted by asking, “What were you most thankful for today?” to help nurture a sense of gratitude.
Use the Words of Gratitude Frequently
Help your child learn to use the words “thank you” or “I appreciate you” often. Make sure these words are used regularly in the home and give children reminders when necessary. These words help gratitude flow easily.
Explore Less Fortunate Perspectives
It’s essential for children to develop an understanding of different life circumstances. Not everyone lives like they do! Engage them in discussions about challenges other people face. This perspective can encourage them to appreciate what they have and to develop compassion for those in need.
If you have the opportunity to visit a country where the lifestyle is very different, do it with your child! People who have much less than we do often also have more – more family time, more community, more joy in traditions, more willingness to care for each other. It can be so impactful to let your children see that there are many things that carry value and that they are not all material.
Encourage Acts of Kindness
Engaging children in acts of kindness helps them understand the impact of their actions on others and fosters a sense of empathy. You can encourage them to do something small, such as making a little gift, providing help when needed, or even just giving a hug.
It’s also great to include children in your own acts of kindness. If you take a meal to someone who is sick, do volunteer work, or help out another mom by providing transportation or running an errand, let your child know that you are glad to be helpful to someone else.
When children witness the joy that kindness brings, and when they realize that many blessings come with a cost, they are more likely to feel grateful for their own blessings.
A habit of gratitude is a precious gift that will bless a household and serve children well throughout their lives. While parents don’t have the power to make a child grateful, they can help guide her toward thankfulness and shape a mindset of gratitude. What a beautiful way to be salt and light in this world!
Xo,
Christie
Opmerkingen