An Attitude with Gratitude
An Attitude with Gratitude
by
Dr. Valerie Allen
Even
in difficult economic times, we live in a land of abundance. Most families
exceed the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter.
Children have more than ample toys and clothes. Often, they have difficulty
finding storage for the excess items in their bedrooms and play areas. In this
land of plenty, it is difficult to teach children how to appreciate what they have. The
joy of giving is often lost in the expectation of getting.
How do
we teach children to be thankful for what they have? We need to engage them in
the act of giving and doing for others. They will not only develop an
appreciation for what they have, but will learn to care for their belongings,
and have the satisfaction that comes from sharing and helping others.
Here
are some activities you can do to develop gratitude and appreciation in your
youngster.
1.
Thoughtful Families: Set an example at home. Discuss acts of
kindness by friends, coworkers, or family members. Acknowledge heroic acts, which
are reported in the paper, on line, or on the news. Talk about charitable donations
and organizations such as the March of Dimes, Hospice House, and Habitat
for Humanity. Help children understand there are others less fortunate who
are in need of financial and emotional support. Tell them about Mother Theresa
and her famous words, “We cannot do great things—only small things with
great love.”
2.
Thankful Thursdays: In the spirit of Thanksgiving, plan a day of
gratitude each week throughout the year. Children can make a list
or draw a picture of all the people and things in their lives to be thankful
for each
week. They can keep track of what they have done for others, as well as what
others have done for them. You can help them plan a random act of kindness for
the following week. Soon they will develop the spirit of Thanksgiving
during every season of the year.
3.
Take Action:
Children can visit a nursing home, draw pictures and mail them to shut ins, or
help a neighbor with yard work. More formal activities can be
arranged through a church or volunteer organization to help at a
school, collect canned goods, or work at an animal shelter. Children can make place mats, napkin
rings, or menu cards for meals-on-wheels. They can participate in community clean
up days, plant a tree, or help clean litter at a park. Encourage your children
to become
a positive influence in the community.
4.
Thank You Notes:
Children should get in the habit of writing notes to express appreciation. Not
just for birthday or holiday gifts, but for those who give their time or help
with projects. Write letters to teachers, neighbors, firefighters, police officers, the
pediatrician, the scout leader, or the choir director to recognize their time
and effort. Cyber kids can send thanks via email.
5. Thrift Stores: Teach children to
share. Have your youngster clean out toy boxes, book shelves, and clothes closets once a month. Have them remove an old
item when replacing it with something new. Have them bundle up the items and
take them to a consignment or thrift shop or a domestic shelter to be shared
with others.
6. Twice Around: Recycle, reuse, and
repurpose. Recycling is a wonderful way to respect and preserve our
environment. Children can save and sort
newspapers, cans, glass jars, and plastic containers. They can also be creative
by using items in unique ways. For example, the plastic bags from groceries can
be reused as trash bags, or woven into placemats. The Sunday
comics can be used as wrapping paper. Small plastic containers can hold pieces
and parts from board games, hair accessories, or jewelry.
Money is not the essential
factor in helping others. Children need to learn giving of themselves
is the most important gift they can offer. Doing for others is the best way to
develop an attitude of gratitude in your
youngster.
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Dr. Valerie Allen is a child psychologist and author in Melbourne, FL. She has published two children’s books, “Summer for Smarties and Bad Hair, Good Hat, New Friends
