It’s an attitude of gratitude
It’s the season of giving – a time when families get
together to reflect about how much they mean to one another. During this time of thankfulness and
self-reflection, it may be time to start a practice that can last all
year
long. It is a time for the
family to
start an attitude of gratitude.
“Thankful time is a technique designed to help raise
a
child’s self-esteem,” says David Bennett, PhD, clinical psychologist at
Children's Mercy
Hospitals
and Clinics.
Attitudes of gratitude help families develop healthy
relationships with one another, and with themselves.
“It has been proven that anyone who experiences
frequent gratitude
at an early age are less materialistic, are more emphatic, spiritual and
helpful as an adult,” says Dr. Bennett.
Following is a list of suggestions to help your
family
become more thankful.
- Nightly,
before bedtime, tell your child what you appreciate about him or
her.
Parents should be totally
positive
when making appreciation statements, as to set a good example for their
child.
- Ask
the child what she is thankful for.
Accept whatever answer you get.
Younger children often focus on the material things. That’s
fine. Through
your daily intervention; you can help the child develop higher
values of
appreciation.
Do not criticize your
child’s
thankful statements, always be positive.
“Gratitude is contagious and can easily be spread
throughout
the family, so teach it to your children early, you be amazed at the
difference
it can make,” says Dr. Bennett.
