5 Tips for Raising Grateful Kids During the Holidays and Any Day

How many of us have cars we can’t park in our own garages? Why? Because we have too much stuff. And in most cases that means our kids follow suit and have more toys, games, shoes than they need or will use before out growing it all.

With that being said, it can be challenging to teach our children how to be grateful for all that they have.

So here are 5 tips to foster gratefulness in our kids all year long.

1. Hold them responsible and accountable for how they treat, care for and tend to the toys and other items they have. Do they break things often and just expect it to be replaced? Do they leave expensive gifts laying around the house? Do they often lose phones and other costly items with no regard for the cost of replacement? It they are unable or unwilling to manage the things they have in a responsible way, make it clear that receiving new items will be impacted by the treatment of what they already have.
2. Set aside a time each day, maybe over dinner to Name Your Blessings or Today, I was Grateful for… And then listen to what they say. It will give you insight into what they value and those things that mean the most to them.
3. Require them to chip in for what they want. Saving birthday money, work money or extra chores around the house can quickly add up. Working for what you want is a great way to create an atmosphere of gratitude. Don’t shy away from delayed gratification.
4. Don’t neglect the Thank You notes. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in creating a habit that will last them a lifetime. The quicker they get them done, the sooner they can play with that new toy from grandma.
5. Get out and help someone else. The only way to teach your kids to volunteer and to give back, is to volunteer and give back. This action alone can foster a sense of empathy for others that is not seen very often anymore. Then, talk about the experience. Not only how your child felt doing it, but how they think the people receiving the gesture feel. It’s our responsibility to help others.