Gratitude Through Repetition:  Reminding our children to use the ancient words “please” and “thank you”

As obvious as it may seem, kids will be kids. Children will do and say what is allowed, and if they are not regularly reminded to use good manners, including words like “please” and “thank you,” they may continue to omit the phrases we find so precious. Children are also growing, learning, and changing before our very eyes. It’s no wonder that with all the physical and cognitive changes they are going through, forgetting good manners often occurs. 

 

Gratitude Through Modeling: Children learn through our example.

It’s the dirty truth and we all know it. The words we say eventually end up in our little one’s mouths. As hard as it may be to reel in our holiday road rage and everyday frustrations, sooner or later our kids will mimic us. Being aware of our own behaviors is important. No one ever said that parenting is easy. How we behave and treat others, in addition to how we speak to all the people in our lives, could be the most valuable lesson we ever teach our kids. 

 

Gratitude Through Acts of Service: Doing good for others.

We are busy, each and every one of us. All of the chauffeuring, cooking, cleaning, working and everything in between can be a lot. Life is hard, and it is much easier to focus on our life’s issues without adding more to our plates. However, nothing teaches children to look beyond themselves then serving others. Making it fun and easy for everyone is an extra bonus. A few ideas could include picking up trash at a park, neighborhood, and school playground. Raking (or blowing leaves) for a neighbor. Inviting a neighbor that you haven’t gotten to know over for dinner and including the kids in the cooking. Lastly, serving at a food bank, like Second Harvest Food Bank, that offers both group and individual volunteer positions for families with children ages six and up is always a good service opportunity, visit secondharvestmidtn.org. 

 

Oftentimes, it seems the concept of gratitude may be a forgotten term, an antiquated idea, soon to be forever tucked away with our Nintendo’s, record players, and fine china. We were raised using manners, never forgetting to use “please” and “thank you” and always showing kindness and gratefulness for our family and others. Or were we?  Is gratitude something we have always had, or is it an acquired attribute that we can continue to grow? This Thanksgiving I hope that not only our tables are set with everything we love, but that we can all take the time to truly recognize and continue our journey of thankfulness. 

 

For more family fun, follow Kathleen Davis on Instagram @kathleendavisbooks or visit kathleendavisbooks.com.