AD| Exploring Gratitude with Your Child
Research has found that gratitude is firmly and consistently related to greater happiness. This is likely because it allows a person to look at their life in a positive manner, which helps them to cope well with adversity and build meaningful relationships. With this in mind, you might be considering encouraging your child to practise gratitude more regularly. If so, here are some tips from a Sixth Form in Oxfordshire.
Start by promoting appreciative thoughts within your home each and every day. At mealtimes, ask each member of your family to share something they’re grateful for. It could be something as simple as their friend sharing a snack with them at break time or spending time with a grandparent they haven’t seen in a while. You could take this one step further and encourage your child to write in a ‘gratitude journal’ every night before bed. Help your child acknowledge what they have and not just in a materialistic sense.
As parents, we tend to avoid talking to our children about unhappy situations but talking about those less fortunate than them will allow them to develop a sense of empathy and they may start to look upon their own lives with a more grateful attitude. Chat about people living in third world countries or people with incurable illnesses. Ask your child how they would feel if that was them and see if they can come up with any ways you might be able to help as a family. Give to charity where possible and volunteer at fundraising events. Even helping an elderly neighbour mow their lawn or carry their good shopping home are great ways to support the community, while also giving your child the opportunity to think about their life from another perspective.
Try and be a good role model to your child when it comes to gratitude by demonstrating it yourself. Let people know when you appreciate them and try not to complain in front of your child. Always look for the silver lining in every situation, because this will encourage your child to do the same.
