Raising Thankful Kids

Any Facebook warrior has most likely seen the image-gone-viral of a young girl, perhaps twelve years old, crying her eyes out on Christmas morning because her parents bought her the wrong color iPod. While we don’t know the whole story behind that photo, it makes us stop and ponder: What happened to make that child so ungrateful? And what can we do to help our children grow up with an “attitude of gratitude”? There is certainly no one-size-fits-all answer for every child, but here are some suggestions to get you started:

Pay an Allowance

It sounds like an antiquated concept, but it’s not. Earning an allowance teaches kids from an early age about the value of work, improves math skills, and helps them understand the value of their “stuff ,” whether it’s toys, books, movies or video games, which will encourage them to take care of their possessions. An allowance can be paid for anything — chores, homework, good grades, or long-term goals (for example, is your child taking piano lessons with the goal of being in the spring recital?). You can even try instituting a “kindness jar” in your home: Every time your child does something kind for someone else, put a dime or a quarter into the jar. Get creative!

Get Your Kids Involved in Community Service

It is never too soon to teach your child the value of helping others. Find out what your child is interested in and build on that. Is your child a great reader? Take him to a daycare and have him read to younger children. Is your child a musician? Have her put on a little concert at a local nursing home. There are numerous ways to get them involved.

Count Your Blessings

Thanksgiving isn’t the only time of year we should think about how much we have to be thankful for! Make a habit of helping your kids recognize all the good there is in their lives.

By Amanda Molé