Can Grateful Children Be Raised?
I work with a lot of unhappy kids, many of them grappling with tough situations-sexual abuse, domestic violence, or divorce. I try to help kids not to be victims of their past, but rather take control of their lives. I like the quote that you should “… never put the keys to your happiness in someone else’s pocket. ” Gratitude training is not only useful for these kids, but is a powerful parenting technique to help raise happy children.
Raising Grateful Children In Four Steps
I like the four-step model used in the “Raising Grateful Children” project at the University of North Carolina.
- Notice. Wonderful things happen to us every day, but we often give them little attention. Think about a few nice things that happened to you today. Our lives are defined by daily acts of kindness and caring. Focusing on such experiences is this first step in developing a more grateful lifestyle.
This can be difficult for kids, many of whom are overwhelmed by past hurts. You can’t write a new chapter in your life if you remain consumed by yesterday’s tragedies. I ask youngsters to write down something good every day