to be grateful for anything that is given
to him. One is through modeling
appreciative behavior.
Christmastime is just around the corner and gift giving is about to come. It is quite natural for kids to get excited about receiving and opening their presents and some adults also feel a bit of excitement and anxiety from anticipating a child’s reaction to their gift. Good manners dictate that a person or child should say thank you when receiving gifts but sometimes these two words become hollow when the recipient shows disappointment with their presents. Teaching kids to be grateful can be a long process but imparting the gift of appreciation to your kids is a life lesson that is worthwhile.
The use of words “please” and “thank you” is a reflection of good manners. But young kids can also take away the pleasantness of these words by reacting negatively to the present that they got. For instance, a kid who has x-box or play station 4 on his Christmas wish list may have no desire to get a knitted sweater from an aunt but a grateful child will see beyond the sweater and appreciate the time, effort, and thoughtfulness given in knitting the sweater.
There are several ways to teach a child to be grateful for anything that is given to him. One is through modeling appreciative behavior. Say thank you and compliment the giver for the gifts that you receive even if you have no or little use for it. The simple act of exerting time and effort to get you a present is already something that one should be grateful for because it means that they are cared for. Exposing kids to charity and people from different walks of life can also teach them to be more thankful for their blessing especially if they consider those who are less fortunate.
A gift is a token of love or care for a person, teaching kids to look beyond appearances or material value of these items make each present more valuable than anything they bought from the store. This gift giving season let your kids be grateful and remind them that it’s always the thought that counts in every present that they get.
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