This Thursday, we will gather to give thanks for all blessings. Thanksgiving Day is a beautiful reminder of the importance of gratitude. During November, I make a personal challenge to thank as many people as I can who make my life better. When we write and verbally thank others, we inject joy into our own souls and help to make others feel appreciated. In this blog post, I will discuss some tips for cultivating an attitude of gratitude in your children.
How to Instill a Heart of Gratitude in Your Children
Gratitude begins in the home by creating a habit of thankfulness for those who love and care for us. We have a responsibility to teach children to extend gratitude to grandparents and to all. Gratitude reflects respect and permeates gratitude into the hearts of children like no other.
Teach your children how to respect others and how to have situational awareness for the needs of others. The goal is for your children to see the importance of putting aside their own wants and for them to focus on others instead. Here are a few tips that will help your child understand the meaning of the phrase “Thank You!”
- First, start all prayers with a “Thank You” to God. It is very important to acknowledge the source of all blessings bestowed upon us.
- Next, teach your child to ask questions like “How was your day, Mom or Dad?” When arriving at grandma’s house, ask “What may I do for you?” and not, “What do you have for me?” Teach your child to ask, “May I help?” and to offer to help clean up after the Thanksgiving meal.
- Don’t let your children fill up on snacks before mealtimes and “spoil their dinner.” By waiting until dinner is served, your child will have an added appreciation for the gift of food.
- Take cookies to a nursing home or ask your child to give up a favorite toy and deliver the gift to a deserving child.
- Make gratitude a routine in your home through actions. Allow your child to see you writing Thank You notes. If you are having dinner with grandparents, talk with your child about all the hard work that goes into food prep. Purchase a hostess gift for whoever is hosting Thanksgiving dinner and include your child in the purchasing process.
- Invite someone to your dinner table who may not have family or someone from another culture who would like to learn about Thanksgiving Day.
- Read the history of Thanksgiving to your child. Discuss how the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to give thanks.
- Have all guests prepare a list of five things they are thankful for. Allow everyone to share from their list between the main course and dessert.
- Spend the entire holiday with your child. Eliminate babysitters and use the holiday to bond and build a heart of gratitude within the soul of your child.
- On Sunday, attend your church of faith.
Each of the above actions will help your family to grow in gratitude. Although giving cans to a food drive or discussing kindness are good things, they will make no meaningful heart change in your children unless you display actions of gratitude.
Gratitude in Action
This Thanksgiving, I experienced gratitude in a meaningful way from my three-year-old grandson, Jett. When we arrived at his home, he ran ahead of his parents, opened the door of his house and said, “Welcome, come inside and see my beautiful home.” Well done to his parents! What a joy to see gratitude in action at home.
Gratitude is an important life skill, and Lisa teaches the value of verbal and written “Thank You” expressions to her corporate clients and during private etiquette lessons. Is a text message enough of a thank you? No, a text is never appropriate. A handwritten note carries lasting remembrance and gratitude. Of course, a phone call that connects voice to voice is meaningful as well, but the handwritten note is most effective.
Looking for Holiday Dining Etiquette Classes in Dallas?
Lisa Burdette offers private and group dining etiquette classes as well as training in interview skills and social graces. As a Dallas etiquette expert, she has successfully helped many individuals with polishing their professional image and increasing their personal confidence at work, in school and in their personal lives. In addition, Lisa has worked with corporate clients such as the Toyota Corporation, Charles Covey, the Bank of Texas and others to assist with workplace etiquette training and workshops.
Ready to book a private holiday etiquette session or dining etiquette classes for your business luncheon event? Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session with Lisa today!
