Raising grateful children is a choice that requires action.
It usually means reminding a child to say "thank you," or drawing his attention to the many good things he already possesses. Children don't typically express appreciation for the many positive things they experience. They need to be reminded and coached. They may feel grateful or happy, but often fail to express appreciation. The habit of gratitude is typically caught (they observe your example), taught (you directly encourage its expression) or both. It's rarely something that just happens.
We are naturally drawn to noticing things not right in our world.
We pay attention when our plans are interrupted. We emphasize and sometimes embellish the discomforts, frustrations and inconveniences we are experience. There's nothing wrong with doing this part of the time. After all, you can't address a problem until you've identified it. The dilemma is that we humans tend toward noticing things we don't like more than paying attention to the things we do. And even when we do acknowledge what we enjoy, we're not always quick to express gratitude. And let's face it, in the words of Andy Stanley, "Unexpressed gratitude is experienced as ingratitude." It needs to be said and others need to hear it.
Raising resilient children
Especially now, in this 2020 Christmas season, it's important to teach our children gratitude for all we do have--the blessings, benefits and people we enjoy. You can always have your child write a simple thank you note, but an even easier and perhaps more effective way is to participate in the Good Dads "Attitude of Gratitude Challenge" and have them express their appreciation with a photo that includes you, your child and a simple sign. You can find examples at Gooddads.com
Don't miss this opportunity to teach your child an important habit that will serve her well over a lifetime.
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Keep a civil tongue.