Tips for Teaching Gratitude
Raising a grateful child is an important part of parenting. You want your child to be well-mannered and thankful for everything he has. But being grateful is more than just saying thank you when they receive something. A child should be appreciative for everything God provides because it’ll improve his relationships, happiness, and empathy. Reinforce the value of gratitude with these tips from Osceola County Catholic schools, the top St. Cloud private schools.
Bedtime Routine
Bedtime is the closing of the day, and we need to thank God for everything that happened in those 24 hours. In addition to his bedtime prayer, ask your child what he was thankful for that day. If it’s a bad day, it’s even more beneficial so he ends it on a positive note!
Set Examples
Like we always say, you are your child’s most prominent role model. Everything you do, he will do. He learns a lot from just watching you. Make sure you are always being polite and saying thank you to people in the service industry or strangers who do something kind like simply holding the door open for you. Reminder your child to say thank you as well because it strengthens his faith. These little moments will have a lasting impact on him.
Be Creative
Appreciation doesn’t always have to be a verbal “thank you”; remember that actions speak louder than words. What can you and your child do to show you value someone and what they do they do for you? Writing a thank you note is a sentimental way to accomplish this task. Additionally, purchase your child a gratitude journal or jar and encourage him to write in it daily.
Contributions
Perspective is key. Perhaps your child wants a new video game or the coolest clothes at the store. Have a talk with him to remind him that materials things can only go so far. Be honest about how fortunate he is and that some children don’t have the same advantages as he does. Encourage giving back through service, like donating clothes to a homeless shelter or volunteering at a soup kitchen. God’s children are called to serve one another. His understanding of this in addition to contributions will help him develop compassion and empathy for others, plus be grateful for his own opportunities.
If you’re worried about traveling with a child, take a peek at some tips we have on our blog! At St. Cloud private schools, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact the Office of Catholic Schools at the Diocese of Orlando by dialing 407-246-4800.