How wonderful it would be if we could help our children and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age. Thanksgiving opens the doors. It changes a child's personality. A child is resentful, negative—or thankful. Thankful children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw people. ~ Sir John Templeton
The best way to help our children learn to be thankful is by our example. When we are thankful, it shows in our attitude, actions, and words. Instead of complaining, let them hear us praising. Instead of thinking only of our own needs, let them see us giving and helping others. They are watching and listening to us as we model gratitude—focusing on what is right rather than what is wrong and on what we have rather than what we don't have.
Children who are overindulged learn entitlement rather than gratitude. They come to expect privileges as if they are rights they can expect and demand, and they become resentful when they do not get their way. It is often very loving parents who think they are helping their children by meeting all of their wants and wishes. The greatest desire of anyone is ultimately to be genuinely and truly happy with inner peace and love. Instilling a heart of gratitude in children is the greatest gift and investment in his or her future success and happiness that we can give.
A grateful heart is a merry heart. It instills in us a desire to give. It leads to a lifelong experience of inner joy and peace. Gratitude is the path to success and purpose. It shapes our personalities and instills in us inner beauty and grace. It opens doors to fulfilling relationships and pursuits.
Thankfulness radiates happiness!!
We can help our children radiate happiness and live life to the fullest as they learn and practice thanksgiving!
Copyright © 2010 Krystal Kuehn, Baby-Poems.com All Rights Reserved.
Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, author, teacher & musician. She is the cofounder of New Day Counseling, a family couples counseling, child therapy & teen counseling center, BeHappy4Life.com, an award-winning, self-help and inspirational site where you can find hundreds of free resources, insights & words of inspiration to change your life, and Baby-Poems.com where you can find beautiful baby poems, baby quotes, cute sayings & baby videos that will touch your heart & increase your joy & gratitude for the children you love & enjoy! Krystal is also the author of several blogs: Give Thanks Journal, Words of Inspiration, Baby Poems blog & Be Your Best blog.