Teach gratitude during this season - and all year

Teach gratitude during this season, and all year - For most children, the holidays are also on donations.  

It's understandable; It was definitely my favorite part of the holidays when I was growing up. But sometimes expectations can get out of hand. And often, parents are asked why their children are not a little more grateful for what they have.

Gratitude is important - not only because it is good to have social tolerance. It is also essential for the general happiness. When we are grateful, we understand that there are still good things in our lives, even when things do not go as planned (like when we do not get this cool toy - or cool job).  

Without understanding and gratitude of practice, we always feel like there's more than we have, no matter what we already have. 
Gratitude should be taught - and it takes practice. This holiday season, why not be part of the culture of routine and your family? Here are some suggestions to help you:

      *  When buying gifts, buy a little shelter or a toy. Let your child help you pick them up and deliver them.
 
      *  Take your child grocery party. Buy extra food. Take your child with you when you take it to the food pantry.

      *  Before the holidays, go through old toys and clothes to "make room" for new things. Give all you can to shelters and other charities. Involve your child in all this, too.
 
      *  With your child, make a list of everyone he or she help or are special to him. Find ways to recognize that during the holidays. For example, make cookies gift set.

     *  Make sure your child always says "please" and "thank you." There is a small thing, but it makes a difference.

      *  Always have your child write thank-you notes (or draw pictures of appreciation, if they can not write yet) to receive gifts. 

     *  Give children tasks to do, starting when they are young. It helps them understand that families are designed to work - and help them to be more grateful for the work others do for them in the house.
 
      *  Create a gratitude daily ritual. If you are part of a faith tradition, the night prayers consider. And make sure that some of these prayers implies a list of things you are grateful. If you're not part of a tradition of faith, try something like what my friend Wendy Sue Swanson Dr. made his son: Every day, each person in the negotiations of the family about his "BPOD" or instead of the day. The same act to stop thinking that your BPOD it helps teach gratitude.
 
      *  Be sure to talk about what is grateful too. As with all things, children pay more attention to what we do than what we say.

You may find that teaching your appreciation of the Child, to be grateful to yourself. This is a wonderful way to not only make your child happy in life, but also make your life happier, too. 
By: Claire McCharty,MD