Forefront Families

It is so refreshing to hear a child say “thank you.” 

There is no time too early to train children to be grateful.  Start teaching them to say “please” and “thank you” consistently when they’re old enough to talk, and expect them to use good manners consistently as they grow.  Be a role model.

One of the killers of gratitude is indulgence.  When parents consistently use gifts to bribe their children, then gifts become an expectation not a reward,  with no thought given to gratitude.

Saying “no” might be one of the greatest gifts you can give your children as it teaches them to be grateful for the “yeses” they receive. 

To curb indulgence, require your children to work for things.  They’ll appreciate what they have far more and it will be easier to teach them gratitude, and an attitude of gratitude will serve your children their entire lives as gratitude endears them to other people, and will serve every relationship they make over their lifetime. 

So how do we teach our children to be grateful?

• Be grateful yourself, and openly display gratitude to your child.
• Teach grateful phrases like “please” and “thank you.”
• Ensure your child thanks others for gifts or kindnesses.
• Do not give treats or money for basic household chores, because chores should be required of them as a member of the household.
• Encourage children to save up for things they really want.
• If you choose to buy a car for your teenager, he or she should make a contribution to the running of the vehicle.
• Learn to say “no.” Do not give your child everything he or she asks for.
• Do not be indulgent. Do not buy gifts for a child on each shopping trip.
• Encourage grandparents not to over-indulge grandchildren.
• Cut the Christmas wish list in half.
• Be a role model:  Reduce the amount of “stuff” you own and don’t overindulge your own wishes.