Exploring Gratitude with Your Child

**Collaborative post**

As we spoil our children it’s also important that we help them to develop gratitude and be thankful for the things that they have. As well as learning to be appreciative, it can help them to value their relationships and form deeper connections with those around them. According to studies children who express gratitude are also more likely to be happier and do well at school. If you would like to help your child in this area, we have some excellent tips below.

Helping the Less Fortunate

Assisting the less fortunate can put things into perspective and help children realise how much we take for granted. Things like coming home to a cooked meal, heating, a family that loves them and so much more. A great way to understand the life experiences that others go through is to help them first-hand. They may choose to do this by volunteering at a soup kitchen. You could also rummage through their things together to look for what they no longer need and can donate, like clothes to those who really need them. It can be an eye-opening experience and help them to see how much of a difference they can make to someone else.

Thank You Notes

Handwritten notes are thoughtful and sincere. When writing them, you need to think carefully about how to communicate your gratitude and how special the receiver is. This can take time which can help children reflect and acknowledge how lucky they are.

Gratitude Jar

They can also make a personal note of what they have to be grateful for and keep them in a jar. It’s a nice visual way for them to remember how lucky they are.

Saying Thank You

The two words “thank you” can go a long way in letting those around us feel valued and appreciated. You can help your child to get in the habit of thanking those around them by using reminders and remembering to do so yourself. 

Gift Giving

It’s the thought that counts and there are more ways than one to say thank you like a handmade gift.

Returning the Favour

When someone goes out of their way to help, it’s nice to return the favour and offer them help should they need it. You may teach your child to do the same and offer ideas as to how they can do this.

These are just a few ways that you can explore gratitude with your child. I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog and that you found it useful.