We all want our kids to be grateful for the things in their lives, but sometimes struggle with how to teach them such a big concept. I invited three moms to a discussion to share their experiences with raising grateful kids and offer tips for other parents.
I chatted with Giselle Achecar from Eco Rico TV, Valerie Deneen from Inner Child Fun, and Zina Harrington from Let’s Lasso the Moon on my #CoffeeBreak show and it was one of my favorite episodes to date. They even made me cry!
Gratitude Tips for Parents:
There were so many great takeaways from our conversation and I encourage you to watch as you have time. Some things that stood out to meet as we talked were:
- Be intentional about focusing on gratitude with your family.
- Practice gratitude until it becomes a habit. Model this for your kids.
- “Do” gratitude with your kids. Activities that empower kids to show their thankfulness are a great way to demonstrate the concept.
- Give kids a chance to be the ones others are grateful for. It’s motivating and helps develop a sense of empathy.
- It’s important. As we talked it became clear that cultivating a sense of gratitude in our kids has tremendous value when they are adults.
Gratitude Activities:
- Gratitude Activity Jar from Inner Child Fun
- Kid Made Thank You Cards from Inner Child Fun
- Create a Thankfulness Tree from Coffee Cups and Crayons
- Random Acts of Kindness Help a Neighbor from Coffee Cups and Crayons
- Thanksgiving Kids Activity from Let’s Lasso the Moon
- Kids Gratitude Journal from Let’s Lasso the Moon
I really love Coffee Cups and Crayons. I have just recently found it and I am inspired at what you are doing.
Being a director of a preschool and helping families with their children has been a wonderful experience for me.
Do you give permission for sharing your articles or would each family do it individually.
Keep up the great work that you are doing.
My Assistant Director is Rochelle Agostino.
Have a terrific day.
Loved your column on Gratitude today.