Are you helping your child learn how to be grateful?

**AmyBoz** · 11-11-2005, 12:53 PM

I am retyping this from a flyer that gets sent home once a month from Patrick's daycare. I thought it was interesting, especially as the holiday season approaches.

"A grateful child appreciates people and things, which will help him get along socially. That's critical to his success in school.

Take this quiz to see if you're doing the right things to instill an attitude of gratitude in your child. Answer yes or no.

___1. I encourage my child to reflect on what he has - not what he doesn't have. We have made a list of all the things he's grateful for.
___2. I model grateful behavior. I say "thank you" when someone does something nice for me. I often mention how I am grateful for what we have, no matter how small.
___3. I avoid demanding thansk from my child. I don't use guilt to get him to say "thank you" for the things I do for him.
___4. I gently remind my child to say "thank you" to another adult or child if he forgets. Later, I explain why it's important to express gratitude.
___5. I often let my child know I'm grateful for him.

How well are you doing? Each yes answer means you are helping your child to become more grateful. Challenge yourself to turn each no answer into a yes.

**forestdale** · 11-11-2005, 02:27 PM

I really like that list, Amy. It's such an important thing for children to know and live.

I believe that modelling the behaviour you want your children to have is THE number one rule of parenting.

**canadian gardener** · 11-11-2005, 02:45 PM

ITA!!!!

way to go Amy!

**Dedlered** · 11-11-2005, 03:24 PM

That's very good, I agree whole heartedly

**Mojjo** · 11-16-2005, 05:13 PM

that's great...helps you remember the basics.

thank you and please are big in our house so I hope I am

**hollyhill** · 11-16-2005, 05:25 PM

That is one thing my children definately are! Grateful!
They are grateful for every little thing that comes their way.
I highly recommend a good dose of poverty, it works everytime. Only joking......sort of.

**krisathome** · 11-18-2005, 12:30 AM

I hope they are most of the time. I have some nieces and nephews that really could use some lessons in gratefullness. UHG! I have given up buying them anything for their birthdays or Christmas, everytime I think we have found the perfect gift, they have something bad to say about it. They have every toy ever made so they don't have to be grateful. Grrr...I hope they like gift certificates.