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Jewish tradition teaches us to be grateful and thankful, not only in attitude but in words and deeds as well. The importance of this concept is something that should be instilled within our children and grandchildren from their earliest ages.
Say “Thank You”
Saying thank you is one of the first social rules we teach children. Teaching children to be grateful can improve their relationships and build empathy. There are several ways to teach gratitude. The easiest way is to set an example. Thanking people who are helpful to you reinforces appreciation. Thanking your children when they are being helpful emphasizes their behavior and exemplifies its value.
Help Children Recognize Generosity
Acknowledge someone who helps without being asked or takes time to do something because it is important to someone else. Send the message that being thoughtful is important.
Talk About Gratitude
Gratitude is more than being thankful. It is showing appreciation and kindness for those around us. It is being present and recognizing what we have. Being grateful is linked to less stress, better sleep, and less anxiety and depression. It only takes a few moments each day to practice gratitude, but it has life-long benefits.
Talking about gratitude with children is also key to their social-emotional development. Ask your child how they feel when people thank them for doing something kind, and how they feel when they don’t. This idea helps children understand how their behavior affects others. It helps them recognize the benefits of gratitude.
Make gratitude a part of your daily routines. Bedtime is great for this. When you tuck your child into bed, ask them three things they are grateful for. It is a great way to end the day in a positive way.
Learn How
A great place to start is with a book. A few recommended titles are:
Louise Van Schaack is Director of the Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Early Childhood Center (RJW ECC)
