Parents: Teach Your Child to Be Grateful

Want to teach your child to be a grateful? Try one of these ideas. They'll help your offspring understand that the world consists of more than just receiving from others. Just:

1- Visit a children's hospital. Let your child see first hand that his "health" is more important than a "thing" any day. After your little one witnesses how sick children live, he'll be more grateful and happy that he can get out of bed each day and run and play.

2- Take your child to a shelter. Before you show up, call ahead and ask the director for a tour. Then, after arrival, allow your child to see the living conditions and speak with another child. Their conversation will be on his level and, as a result, more impacting than any words from adult. Consequently, you'll see that your child enjoys his room a lot more when you get home.

3- Bring your child to a church. Regular visits to a holy place will teach your child to be grateful. Churches and other spiritual places focus on the heart. Your offspring will hear about being grateful, generous and loving. As a result, he'll grow spiritually and be a better human.

4- Ask your child to donate. Encourage him to give of his funds or offer up a special toy. If you do #1 or #2 first, your child will be more willing to donate because he'll understand there are others in more need than him. He may even have another child in mind that he really wants to bless. If not, help him find a charity that he wants to support.

5- Watch powerful movies. There's a reason why "It's a Wonderful Life" remains popular from generation to generation. This old flick has a plot and message that anyone can relate to. Show this type of quality media to your child. Then, once the movie is over, be sure to discuss in detail what you've just watched and what you learned.

6- Model a life of giving. Don't allow your responsibilities to turn you into a selfish, bitter person. Teach your child to be grateful by being grateful yourself! Love your job, spouse, food, clothes - etc. Spend more time being positive than being negative. This type of mentality will rub off onto your child and help him develop into a balanced happy adult.

Do these six things and your child will be grateful. He'll understand that he has a lot to be thankful for and be more appreciative of his life.

Also see:
Help Your Child Build His Faith