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How can I teach my child gratitude? 

November 16, 2012

As many of the families in our community get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday next week (not to mention the rush into gift-giving season), we’ve heard parents struggling with how to teach their children gratitude.

  • “Will my son ever say ‘thank you’ without being reminded?”
  • “Why is my daughter focusing on what she DOESN’T have rather than everything she DOES have?”
  • “Is gratitude something I can actually teach my kids?”

Let’s be honest–it’s not just children who often miss the focus on giving thanks. Many of us grown-ups could also use a reminder this time of year when it comes to being thankful and expressing gratitude.

So here’s your official reminder, parents: Take 5 minutes this week to consider how YOU can bring more gratitude into your daily family routine. Read our fact sheet on Being a Role Model for your kids, and check out our new Teaching Kids Gratitude Board over on Pinterest!

We also love this article, Giving Thanks: 7 ways to teach kids, from parenting blogger Jeana Lee Tahnk over on The Huffington Post. Our favorites are #2 (Be a role model.) and #4 (Volunteer together.)

What about you? How do you teach gratitude to your children? Please share in the comments below.