The holidays are a time of giving, but it's important to remember that children should also learn how to be grateful and appreciate the gifts they receive. Teaching kids gratitude during the holiday season can be difficult, especially when they've been inundated with advertisements for expensive toys and gadgets. Here are some tips on how to encourage your children to express their gratitude this holiday season.
Model Gratitude Yourself
One of the best ways to teach children how to be grateful is by leading by example. Make sure you show your own appreciation for the gifts you receive from family and friends. Let your child hear you expressing your thanks for a thoughtful present, or mention something specific about what you like about the gift. Asking a child about who gave them the present and why it was special can further reinforce why being thankful is important.
Focus on Experiences Instead of Stuff
Another way to encourage kids to practice gratitude during the holidays is by focusing more on experiences than things. Instead of buying them lots of presents, take them out for a fun outing or plan an activity together as a family such as ice skating or going on a hike. By doing this, children will learn that there is more joy in spending time with people they love than in receiving material objects.
Create Thank You Notes Together
Having children write thank-you notes after receiving gifts can help instill an attitude of gratitude and appreciation in them. Show your child how to write thank-you notes for each present they received and have them draw pictures or decorate cards if they’re younger. Doing so will help them understand why it’s important to express their thanks for all the wonderful things they were given during the holidays.
The holidays are all about giving, but it's also important that we teach our kids how to be grateful for all of these gifts that they may receive throughout this special season. Modeling gratitude ourselves, focusing on experiences over stuff, and creating thank-you notes together are just some of the ways that we can help our children learn how to express their appreciation during this special time of year!
Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place