A grateful attitude boosts chemicals in our brain that makes us feel happier, say researchers, which helps us cope with stress and setbacks. People who are grateful also have higher self-esteem and are likely to be more hopeful, empathetic and helpful to others.
Teaching gratitude can benefit social-emotional learning in young children even before they fully understand the concept by helping them think about people and things they’re thankful for and how they like to be treated by others.
So what can parents do to help their children begin to develop a grateful outlook?
From PBS Kids: Create a thankful tree, start a gratitude jar, write a letter of gratitude and give handmade gifts
From Integrated Children’s Therapy: model it, be consistent with “thank you,” make receiving special, involve them in giving, talk about thing you’re grateful for and work it into children’s play
Photo: PBS Kids
