Fun fact: research suggests that being grateful has the power to make people feel happier! What an amazing thing, especially since often we don't have control over the events that occur in our lives. The power of thankfulness (which helps cultivate a positivity) and the power of choosing to be thankful can make us happier despite whatever current circumstance you may find yourself in. This is such an important skill to teach children so they can feel happier! Once learned, this is a skill that they can carry with them for life! Need some ideas of cultivating gratitude? Our top 3 are below!

3 Ways To Teach Your Child To Be Thankful

1. Manners, Please!

Practicing "please" and "thank you" between parents and children is a simple practice you can add (or increase) in your day. Using these words is a way to acknowledge each other. Using "please" and "thank you" also shows receiver/giver appreciation for an effort, act of service, or gift!

2. Start a Daily Ritual

Setting aside time each day to practice gratitude is one way to cultivate thankfulness! There are endless ways you can do this, but we've outlined short list of ideas to spark your gratitude practice!

• Gratitude at meal time: Families/Friends/organizations can start or end the day with everyone share one thing are were thankful for! Doing this at a meal time, whether that is breakfast, lunch or dinner, could make forming this habit a lot easier!
• Thankful jar: Everyday write one quick word or line of something you are grateful for and watch the jar fill up! Maybe a full jar is tied to a reward or the desire to "pay it forward."
• Journal: Start a daily journal or add the practice of writing what you are grateful each day. With the end of each year, you can always look can and see just how much you have to be grateful for!

3. Acts of Service

Encourage your child to participate in the art of giving. This could look like sharing a toy, making a card, a random act of kindness....the list is endless! The act of giving and service is a way to for children to see first hand the effort it takes to be kind, to help others and to spread cheer! Experiencing this effort is a way to teach our children how gratefulness when they are on the receiving end. 

We couldn't think of a better time to start or increase the practice of gratitude in our lives than Thanksgiving! Here at PMC, we are so thankful for SO MANY things including our amazing staff, inspiring kiddos, the ability to do what we love day in and day out (and call it work,) and our community stewards/community partners to name a few. Together, we are all working together to building up children of our community to be more empowered, achieve new feats and inspire those around them!