“Thank you.” It’s a favourite phrase for parents to hear as it shows that your children recognise and appreciate what we (or others) have done for them. Saying ‘thank you’ is not the only thing that we like them to say or do to show their appreciation. We want to raise grateful children and for them to be able show that they are grateful for other’s help – and not just by saying ‘thank you’. There are so many other ways to raise grateful children – here are some of the ways you can help your child show people that they are grate:
Tips To Raise Grateful Children
- Be a great example to your children by saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to them. Let them hear us say it to other people around us too.
- Teach them to use eye contact when we are saying thank you.
- Get them into the habit of sending handwritten thank you cards. The older generation like to receive handwritten notes as they are much more personal. If this isn’t possible, at least send a text, email or a quick call.
- Show them how to hug people close to them to show their appreciation. As your child gets older they may not want to do the full on hug but a sideways hug will do!
- Don’t allow them to have everything that they want. They can save up for something (and they will if they really want it) or make them wait until it is their birthday.
- Get them involved in charitable projects so that they see how it feels to help others less fortunate than themselves and appreciate what they have in their own lives.
- Encourage your children to give money to charity as well as saving and spending.
All of these ideas can help raise a child who is grateful for what they have in their own life and what others do for them. There are many more ways to achieve this. Which ones do you use?
If you are interested in helping your child with all the essential life skills including being grateful take a look at my first book The Parent’s Toolkit.
