Thursday 24 November 2011

The gift of thankfulness

Rude kids become rude adults. More than becoming a social menace, a rude child lacks the ability to be thankful for things.
. Give Love, Not Just Rewards
A thankful attitude is alive in people who appreciate what they have. When parents reward their children for every accomplishment, or bribe their children with monetary rewards for good behavior, those children begin to expect rewards. Rewards should be reserved for special times. Instead of doling out money or gifts, give your child expressions of love. Let your son know, through your words, how proud you are of his school accomplishments. Reinforce your daughter's/son's good behavior with hugs.
. Give Your Child Responsibility
Children who are given more responsibility in their own home and for their own possessions take more pride in what they have. In turn, they are more  thankful. Start by giving your children clearly- defined chores and letting them make their own decision about various aspect of their lives.
. Get Involved In Your Community
Children who understand the hurts of others can better appreciate and be thankful for the abundance in their own lives. To come up with a project, talk to your kids about what they feel able to do and look for a way their efforts will make a difference to another person's life.
. Be A Role Model
Children imitate their parents, so let your children see a thankful attitude in your own life. Some things you can do to show your children  a thankful attitude include thanking others on a regular basis for services and well-done jobs (i.e clerks, waitresses, your spouse, the child) ; talking about the needs of others and acting on them as funds or time allow; and having an amount of restraint where material possessions are involved.
. Make Thankfulness A Year-Round Concept
It sometimes seems that we stress thankfulness only during festive seasons. If thankful attitudes are practiced all year long; however, children will learn that those attitudes should be a way of life.

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