|
Teaching Thankfulness: A Holiday Gift for
Children
by Brenda Nixon
|
Some of the first words
you teach your tot are "thank you." And throughout their young life children
need prompts like, "What do you say to Aunt Becky?" Hopefully, over time, their
response becomes automatic. But parents need to continue teaching an attitude
of thanks even as children grow into teenagers. As you celebrate this busy
holiday season, utilize every moment as an opportunity to nurture thankfulness
in your child. Here are free and simple ways to incorporate it into your daily
lifestyle:
|
Live the
Lesson
 It has been said that we're always
teaching - sometimes we use words. Remembering to say "thank you" is proper.
However, your child is watching you: the first and most influential teacher! So
be sure to live a life of gratitude. When you model thankfulness, then your
child will absorb that teaching. Notice Nature
Encourage your child
to appreciate the inspiration that surrounds her. Marvel at the power of
the wind, the immensity of the ocean, the perfection of a snowflake, the
endless night sky or the rugged beauty of a mountain range. I've reminded my
girls of the saying of Goethe, "Nature is the living, visible garment of
God."
Convert Attitude into Action
A small gesture, such as a
smile, can lighten the day of the server who hands your youngster a glass of
milk. A hug for your child's teacher is another attitude action. When she
empties the dishwasher, remind your daughter that this is her action of
appreciation for home and food even if she doesn't think so at the time.
Thankfulness can also be expressed through homemade goodies. To show
appreciation for their classroom teachers, my girls and I made little holiday
gifts for them. What ways can you convert your thoughts into action this
season?
Discover Dictionary Descriptions
Although we have our
own words to explain thankfulness, it helps to see new definitions. Go to your
public library and see what dictionaries say about the word. I like what
Webster's Dictionary says about thankfulness, "Impressed with a sense of
kindness received." This definition takes the focus off material possessions
and puts it on the giver.
Gather Great Quotes
My research for
this article took me to Web sites that offer all types of quotes. A humorous
one about thanks comes from Woody Allen: "I am thankful for laughter, except
when milk comes out of my nose." Have fun with your child as you gather quotes
about thankfulness.
Contrast Your Family With Folks Less
Fortunate
 Help her see that there are those in
your community who aren't as blessed: families without homes, people who are
sad or lonely or those who must go to food kitchens to eat. When my daughters
were young, one of our family traditions was to serve a meal to the homeless.
Every Thanksgiving, my husband, two girls and I spent an evening at a rescue
mission. After seeing hungry faces accepting a plate of food, my daughters
heartily appreciated going home to their safe, cozy bedrooms. But they also
learned about thankfulness when they saw and heard expressions of gratitude
from those receiving the meal.
Make a Medley of
Thankfulness
Grab a pile of old magazines. Encourage your child to look
through the pages and cut out pictures of things she is thankful for. Glue
these on one page, overlapping pictures. Soon she'll have a visual reminder of
the many blessings in her life.
Pen a Poem of
Thankfulness
Together, with your child, write words that rhyme with
thanks, gratitude or thankful. See how many you can come up with. At any age,
this can be a fun, language-learning exercise that stretches the
imagination.
Practice Gratitude Permanently
Showing thanks and
appreciation does not end with the season. Help your child write thank you
notes for her Christmas gifts. Preschoolers can dictate their gratitude as you
write, or they can draw a picture of appreciation to give to their gift-giver.
Also, find opportunities during the upcoming year to reinforce your
lesson.
© Brenda Nixon
>>Return To
Articles |
|
