children learn to be grateful when they benefit from the efforts of others.
• Thank You Notes. Writing thank you notes for gifts is a very literal way of teaching your chil- dren gratitude. Putting down on paper what they enjoyed about a particular gift, reminds your chil- dren why they are grateful for it.
• Find Your Gratitude. Always be on the lookout for things to be grateful for and ex- press your gratitude. When your children hear you say things like, “Buster is such a good dog” or “What a beautiful day”, they realize they can be grateful for even the smallest of things.
students home safely. Letting your children see that you are grateful will encourage them to be so as well.
• Establish Rituals. We all know the importance of family rituals. Establishing rituals that highlight being thankful is a wonderful teaching tool. Start dinner with each family mem- ber sharing what they are most grateful for. Say goodnight by sharing what you were thank- ful for that day. Any ritual that based on gratitude will rein- force its power.
• Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way for your children to see gratitude in action. There are numerous chances in every
community to volunteer. Home- less shelters, nursing homes, and mentoring programs are just a few. There may also be other opportunities closer to home. Perhaps an elderly relative or neighbor could use a hand. It feels good to help others. Therefore, your children not only benefit from that, but they also get to experience the warmth of appreciation. Two things for which they can be grateful.
• Assign Chores. Children learn by doing chores. They learn what it means to be part of a whole. They learn their contribu- tions are important. They also learn that most things take effort. Simple household chores can help
aspiremag.net 65
Dr. Caron B. Goode is the founder of the Academy for Coaching Parents Interna- tional, a training and certification program for parent coaches. In addition to duties with the academy, Goode is the founding editor of the website InspiredParenting. net, and the author of eleven books, the most recent of which is Help Kids Cope with Stress & Trauma, which includes several chapters on he use of storytell- ing strategies. For more information on The Academy for Coaching Parents International or to sign up for academy
announcements, visit
www.acpi.biz .
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