Kids Health: Teaching Kids the Attitude of Gratitude

If your children need reminders to say "thank you," show appreciation, or take thoughtful gestures for granted, then it may be time for a gratitude makeover! Studies prove that the happiest, kids feel an appreciation for life. They are also more joyful, determined, optimistic, less stressed and even healthier. So if you're a tad concerned that your kids health attitude of gratitude needs a little boost, the good news is that the easiest kids health strategies are by establishing family rituals where kids count their everyday blessings. Here are a few kids health tips to get you started:

Thank You ABCs. This kids health tip is great for younger kids to do at the dinner table. You and your kids say the alphabet together but for each letter include something you are grateful for: A, Aunt Diane; B, my brother; C, my cat, and so on. Take it up a notch by explaining why they are grateful. Your family will have fun together and your kids will also learn to be appreciative.

Thanksgiving blessings. Kids health tip: Say a prayer of thanks together before meals. Some families take turns so that each night a different member leads the prayer. Also do bedtime blessings of appreciation for one another followed by a goodnight hug and kiss.

Gratitude letters. Another kids health tip: Your child writes a letter to someone who has made a positive difference in his life (such as his teacher, coach, scout master or grandparent). To maximize the impact, have your kid read the letter to the person face-to-face.

Gratitude journals. Another kids health tip to boost gratitude is by having your kids daily write something they feel grateful for. Younger kids can draw they are most grateful for; older kids can write in a diary or on a computer. Why not do so as a family?

Thank your children. Make sure not to overlook your child's daily thoughtful deeds. Tell your kids what they did that you appreciate. This way they learn to copy your example and send their own "appreciation messages" to others.

Set limits. Kids health tip: Having too much of anything squelches appreciation. Be aware of the tendency to overindulge your child. Giving kids what they want all of the time does not help them learn to be grateful and appreciative of what they have.

Expose your kids to the less fortunate. kids health tip: Face-to-face experiences can go a long way in helping kids appreciate their blessings. Find ways for you and your child to do charitable work (playing with kids in a homeless shelter, reading to the blind, or delivering meals for the bed-ridden).

Remember, transformation is a process; not a one-time activity. Stick to your kids health commitment and find ways to help your kids practice gratitude. Reinforce their efforts and never give up until you achieve the desired change!