'Thank you God for the food we eat, thank you God for the world so sweet.'
Our kids have been singing this prayer since they learned to talk—either this prayer or some other—but they have been thanking God and Mother Nature for this beautiful world. But do they actually understand what it means to thank someone? Is thank you just a golden word for them? Or do they understand for real what gratitude means?
But before we answer, let’s first ask ourselves: Are we teaching gratitude to our kids? Do we ask children to say thank you only because it is a part of etiquette? Or do we really help them feel gratitude? And the bigger question is this: Do our kids only say or feel thankful for the gifts and tangibles they receive? Or are they equally grateful for how they have been nurtured or thankful for a friendly gesture?
So, before teaching them to say thank you, let’s first teach our kids what gratitude is and why they should cultivate it.
Gratitude is your happiness index
Our kids need to understand that gratitude is not merely a gesture, rather, gratitude is all about how good you feel inside and how satisfied you are with your life. When you take a moment to notice and appreciate the goodness in your life, you create positive vibes that boost your mood. Plus, this habit helps you connect better with others. So instead of frowning at people, you can build friendship which is based on appreciation. And when we have relationships worth cherishing, our happiness level goes up.
Kids who learn to experience gratitude as an emotion, grow up to be positive adults. And these emotionally strong adults can tackle whatever life throws at them. So, the more you express gratitude, the higher your happiness index goes.
Gratitude is a positive attitude
Gratitude is more than saying thank you. It’s about recognising little things, like a sunny day or a delicious meal. And it’s about sharing how those moments have made them feel. It’s about noticing what others are doing for them and returning the kindness through actions. It could be doing something nice in return for others or simply offering a smile. Also, when we focus on what we’re thankful for, we start seeing the good stuff that’s already around us instead of what we don’t have. This shout-out to little wins eventually builds our inner strength, which makes it easier to handle the hard times.
Gratitude is a shift in perspective that opens our eyes to the abundance of lives that are often overlooked. And when our kids understand the importance of noticing the tiny glimmers of life, they learn to remind themselves of graces and blessings.
Gratitude is all the ‘good vibes‘ around
As our kids express thanks for the food on their plates, let’s also teach them to extend this gratitude to more than just physical stuff. Every day, they stumble upon acts of kindness, understanding, and support that are hard to put a price tag on. But these little actions can shape how they feel and interact with the world. Let’s teach them the value of love and friendship which is way more valuable than expensive goodies. These intangibles can make them feel way more fulfilled which goes beyond just owning things. And this mindset will help them live richer lives.
Gratitude is all the ‘good vibes.’ When we share our thanks, we create a cosy atmosphere filled with kindness and joy. More than a causal thank-you, it’s a heartfelt shoutout for someone’s help. Gratitude has the power to transform our experiences and foster a sense of belonging
By creating a warm and positive vibe at home that talks about kindness and celebrates little acts of gratitude, we help our kids understand the importance of gratitude in our lives. And eventually making it a part of who they are as they grow up.
"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." - Oprah Winfrey
2 responses to “How to teach gratitude to kids the right way”
WONDERFUL AND INSIGHTFUL ARTICLE ABOVE.
My experiences with Gratitude
1. At 75+ years of age, I am still expanding my understanding of Gratitude, its power, and its dividends. This continuous journey of personal growth keeps me engaged and motivated.
2. Gratitude is as elegant and “in-demand” as an individual’s personality focus, attitude and aptitude. Not expressing gratitude in time (or almost in time) is inexcusable, nearly indefensible, and unpardonable. It’s a way to show others they are valued and appreciated, a practice that should never be neglected.
3. To me, expressing gratitude is more than words; it’s a way to share the warmth of my inner self. It’s a connection that helps (and has helped) remove corrosive emotions, human greed, egocentricity and selfishness, fostering empathy and understanding.
4. Daily, I express my gratitude to my REAL Guru, Dr Rabindranath Tagore, whom I never saw but whose famous, nationalistic, and profoundly meaningful poem “Where The Mind is Without Fear” has been “With Me” since I was eight years old and has adorned my working table throughout my career. It inspires me every Nanosecond.
5. One example of gratitude expression (there are several in my life)
I have (very often) expressed my (silent) gratitude to Georges Prosper Remi, known by the pen name Hergé, though he died 41 years ago, for creating Tintin Comics. Reading these comics helps me wonder about the creative human brain, and reading the comics always makes me happy and keeps my blood pressure in complete check.
What I learnt from my parents:
1. Irrespective of how the day has passed, express thanks and gratitude to powers superior to me. Find moments of pleasure and happiness and thank the personalities behind creating those.
2. Express gratitude to those who have been thoughtful enough to get something for you without your asking for it.
3. Expressing gratitude (i) is imperative to personality development, (ii) makes one more patient in character, (iii) heals and strengthens relationships and enriches us, (iv) allows one to forget his “position” (read rank) in career and life.
What I hope I have succeeded in teaching the younger generation:
1. Each of us has achieved much more than what we deserved. So, some Power must be benevolent to us.
2. The “heavens are here around us.” It is foolish to think that the heavens are an “after-life phenomenon.”
It is our terrible loss if we fail to experience, enjoy, and appreciate it. The heavens are the bliss of the birds who sing without asking for a favour in return. I would wait for a four-inch bird who would punctually fly in and rest on an unsteady and swinging branch. She would sing so happily to bless the day that was awakening. She would sing more pleasantly than any of the Sopranos of the world. Heavens are the flowers that adorn our gardens. Heavens are manifested in the children who live near us.
3. Say thanks consciously and conscientiously. Support animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Chef Yaduvansh Bahadur Mathur
And here I express my gratitude to you sir, for valuing my work and sharing deep insights. Thank you.