IN THIS ARTICLE
- What is gratitude?
- What does gratitude mean in early childhood?
- Importance of showing gratitude
- Ways to Teach and imbibe gratitude to Young Children
Bringing up a grateful child can be a tough duty for parents, guardians, and caregivers but it is of great importance, to begin teaching them in their early years so they can thrive in it over time. It is commonly known that habits and skills are better taught to young children than adults because of their ability to grasp and stick to them.
Gratitude plays a crucial role in the emotional development of grateful children. This upcoming holiday season is a perfect opportunity to instill thankfulness in young children. Reflecting on the remarkable experiences from the past year and the ongoing one, as we transition towards the new year, there’s much to celebrate and express gratitude for.
This article aims to provide a fundamental grasp of cultivating GRATITUDE IN YOUNG CHILDREN.
WHAT IS GRATITUDE?
Gratitude, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is a strong feeling of appreciation to someone or something for what the person has done for you. It can also be defined as a sense of appreciation and thankfulness, in response to a fortunate happenstance or a tangible gift.
WHAT IS GRATITUDE FOR CHILDREN IN EARLY CHILDHOOD?
Teaching gratitude to children in early childhood is the process of instilling conscious feelings of appreciation and thankfulness, whether tangible or intangible during the early childhood years. It paves the way for a more humble approach to life, reducing the tendencies towards entitlement and demands.
IMPORTANCE OF SHOWING GRATITUDE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Expressing gratitude, perhaps through an activity like a gratitude tree, not only prepares you for life but also serves as a fundamental skill that enhances the emotional development of young children.
Reasons why it is essential to teach children gratitude in early childhood years,
- It sets the foundation for meaningful connections that will help young children for the rest of their lives.
- Gratitude is an important skill that everyone needs to develop. Nurturing this skill in children can have a positive impact on society.
- It prepares young children for life and discourages an entitlement mindset for every good bestowed upon them.
- Expressing gratitude is a confirmation that efforts are acknowledged, motivating individuals to contribute more.
- Gratitude fosters a positive outlook, motivating people to do more and savor positive experiences. It cultivates a mindset of positive thinking.
- Fosters a mindset of positive thinking.
- Contributes to improved mental and physical health.
- Redirects focus towards appreciating what one already has, rather than what one lacks.
- It improves sleep, mood, and immunity.
- It helps to foster good habits.
WAYS TO TEACH AND IMBIBE GRATITUDE AND THANKFULNESS IN YOUNG CHILDREN
Below are a few ways to teach children the importance of gratitude;
- Build a gratitude board
 Created by parents or caregivers, this board can be crafted on paper, directly on a wall, or on a designated board. Guided by a positive mindset, grab a sticky note and jot down what each person is thankful for, whether it be a kind act or an experience. Attach the notes to the board or wall then proceed to determine its location.
Building a gratitude board is an easy task utilizing common materials found at home or in school.
Make sure the materials are kid-friendly (I suggest the use of boards and sticky notes).
This simple yet impactful activity encourages a culture of gratitude and positive reflection in children.
- Read stories and books on gratitude
One simple way of teaching young children gratitude is by telling them stories that have a central lesson on gratitude. Young children’s avid interest in listening to stories, whether during classes or even before bedtime, presents an excellent opportunity to impart valuable lessons, particularly focusing on gratitude.
Examples of storybooks that depict gratitude are ‘Gratitude is My Superpower’ by Alicia Ortega, ‘The Thank You Book’ by Mo Willems, ‘I am Thankful’ by Suzy Capozzi, and ‘Outside In’ by Deborah Underwood, etc.
- Have personal gratitude journals
 Encourage your child(ren) to write or draw what they are grateful for in their private journals. They can document experiences, strengths, and happy moments, or even document their journey of growth. This journal can help lift mood on days when they feel down or feel less appreciative of life itself.
- Stay thankful for the little things
Gratitude isn’t just about people and things. It`s also about appreciating the everyday privileges we often overlook- like the air we breathe, good life, good health, good food, and more. Even though we might think we deserve these things, realizing not everyone enjoy the basic privileges helps us to see how lucky we really are. Gratitide isn`t just about the big stuff; its about the little things that make life awesome.
- Create a gratitude jar
In addition to using a gratitude board or personal journals to document gratitude, another easy and engaging option is creating a gratitude jar to capture acts of generosity. This sealable jar should have a permanent stand accompanied by a box of papers. Each day, the child is expected to draw or write out things that brings joy. At the end of each week, month, or year depending on the agreed interval, open the jar and read the entries creating a heartwarming reflection on the positive aspects of life.
Children who have been taught gratitude from early childhood understand more about its benefits. For very young children, the concept of gratitude may not fully be comprehenssible but as they grow, their understanding deepens.
Its recognized that habits and skills are most effectively ingrained when introduced early,becoming integral aspects of ones character over time. The best time to teach your child is now.Â
Cheers to making efforts to make a positive impact.
FOR MORE RESOURCES, YOU CAN CHECK OUT THESE
https://www.childpsychologist.com.au/resources/children-and-gratitude
https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/gratitude-for-kids
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
