Gratitude is an important aspect that children should feel encouraged to explore. There is a lot that can make kids upset, angry and full of all kinds of emotions, but there is where your child should also begin to grow their sense of independence. We won’t be able to provide all of the things our children could hope to want, either, which is where gratitude comes into play. Children should be taught about how to appreciate what they have in life and what can come next.
Here are some top tips to help your child explore gratitude at home and in all of life’s expectations, as recommended by this private primary school in London.
Expressing love among others is a core part of how children grow and develop a key relationship with you. If you’re able to make them feel welcome in their environment, it’s a lot easier for them to explore gratitude as they get older. A relationship built on mutual respect and love is a brilliant way of helping children learn to be appreciative of what they have around them. It’s also something that all parents should strive to do and explore with their children in order to build a lasting relationship.
Let children choose things
Allowing kids to pick things out for themselves is a good way of helping them understand that they can be trusted. It also gives your child a unique perspective, where they have to come to terms with the potential consequences of their choices as well. They will give your child the awareness that not everything comes with a benefit, and you can talk them through how that can be managed.
Keeping things in perspective is another element of this. Your child will go through a lot of difficult moments, as we all do. Allowing them to make choices like these will give your child more confidence, ensuring they are able to make the right decisions at the right times.
Get involved in different activities
Lots of activities that encourage your child to play will help with their confidence, self-esteem and other factors that improve their sense of appreciation. It also helps your child to find a key passion of theirs – something they can use to feel grateful about what they can turn to if they feel overwhelmed or upset.
Sport is a good thing to explore within this as well. You get to see your child raise their endorphins and heart rate – core elements that help with an improved mood. But there are other areas you can explore as well, like art, wellness and mindfulness, which can help your child feel more creative and inquisitive. Lean into what your child enjoys, and the development of gratitude will follow.
So there are plenty of ways you can help your child with their growth and understanding of gratitude. A lot of these can be personalised to your child’s own particular needs, and that’s what will make it exciting for them. Putting your own spin on things will ensure they have the time to develop these skills in a safe environment that works for them.