Teaching and learning simple gratitude
Let’s try something, go ahead and ask your kids what they are grateful for.
When I asked my four-year-old daughter, her reply was “Mommy, daddy, my brother, the dog”. People (and an animal) that she loves. These are what I call our BIG gratitudes, and they are not what we are going to be focusing on today.
Your child may have given similar answers.
Most of us have subconsciously taught our children “worthy” answers to this question. It is likely that your child is grateful for their loved ones, even if it’s not always obvious to us.
But, what are their simple gratitudes?
The little things.
When a child answers the question, “What are you grateful for today?” with BIG gratitudes...I acknowledge the big things and then encourage them to think further, by simply asking “what else?”.
Little kids tend to catch right on and start listing their favorite stuffie, their yummy dinner, their favorite tv character.
Older children may need a little more guidance, “permission” to think small.
Noticing just a couple of simple gratitudes a day can be transformative in teaching your children to notice and appreciate the simple joys in their lives.
This is great for building long-term joy.
This is something that many adults struggle with, so practice with them.
Three little things each day, the simple gratitudes.
Why practice three simple gratitudes?
-It encourages mindfulness/noticing the little things.
-Promotes long-term joy
-Promotes positive thinking
-Promotes daily self-reflection
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Follow me @raisingresiliency on Instagram for reminders, tips, and skills.
