Teaching Gratitude, Kindness, and Self-reflection

Andrew Hertz, MD, Zest Pediatrics

What would be a November blog without discussing giving thanks?  Many of us have heard about the benefits of keeping a Gratitude Journal where we can list all the things for which we are thankful.  This allows us to reflect on the positives in our lives. These journals have been shown to assist adults with mindfulness, a positive attitude, and general well-being.  

So how do we take this concept and apply it to our children who are too young to journal? It is rather simple and aligns so easily with the concept of spending quality time with your kiddo.  After all, remember, it is not the quantity of time you spend with your child, but the quality of that time.  

Teaching Kids Gratitude

Many of you have a daily special moment with your child. For some, this is at mealtime with the entire family around the table. For others it may be at bedtime all snuggled up. And for some, this may take place simply during a joint reading session, while taking a walk or making a meal. Whatever you do for a few minutes a day with your child, add a moment of gratitude.

You each pick something about your day to say you are thankful about. Kids may want to talk about food, or toys, or other inanimate, tangible objects. Try to teach them to talk about acts of kindness that they experienced. Of course, model the topics and types of gestures you want them to share through your own experience.

A variation of this topic is where you each share something you did for someone else that day - something kind and loving.

And yet another variation is sharing something you could have done better or will do differently next time. Relate this to how you interacted with someone. This last option helps also to teach humility and self-reflection. It allows your child to know that you as a parent can still find ways to improve.

Maybe take turns with these variations, or once your child knows of them all, ask which it shall be today.

 These brief but meaningful conversations will foster resilienceto stress by training your child’s mind to recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of life, even during difficult times. Give it a try.