How to teach gratitude in kids during the Holidays

 

Many times all kids think about during holiday time is gifts.  It doesn’t matter what religion you practice or even if you don’t, it’s important to teach our children that holidays are more than gifts.  You want to teach this lesson early and continue as they grow.  Continue to teach gratitude in your kids during the holiday season.

 

You don’t want your child becoming greedy and upset that they didn’t get exactly what they want.  Getting gifts can be fun and special but should never be the focus.  Giving can be very rewarding.

 

 

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Here are tips to keep kids happy while teaching them gratitude.

 

How to raise an appreciative child

 

1. Careful with Gifts

 

• If your child believes in Santa, make sure that only 1 or 2 gifts come from Santa and not all the gifts.  By limiting the number of gifts that a child gets from Santa will help your child understand that their parents worked hard to get them something they would like.  It also helps once they stop believing.
• Don’t go gift crazy.  You don’t need to get your children dozens of gifts in the name of a Holiday.  Keep gifts simple and meaningful.
• Try to give a gift of an experience.  This will teach your child that everything doesn’t have to come in a package.  “Happiness doesn’t come from packages and bows. The Grinch”

Some of the best gifts are ones that you can do together.  Read more about Non-toys gifts here.

• Have your child give a gift.  If they have toys they no longer play with, let them pick toys to donate or pass on to a sibling or cousin.  We have my older son do this each year.  Children can see you don’t have to go and buy a gift for someone, you can share what you no longer need.

 

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2. Have kids help

 

 

• All during the year kids should be helping around the house.  Doing chores that they can handle.  During the holidays, things sometimes get a little crazy. There is extra work to do- preparing foods, cleaning, getting out decorations.  We don’t and shouldn’t do it all.  KIds should be part of the process.  Having kids help makes them feel included and teaches responsibility.

 

• Let them decorate, set the table, wrap presents or put gifts in a bag.  Kids will love being able to help mom or dad.  Here are glow in the dark gift bags that kids will get excited about.

 

3. Keep routines

 

 

• I’m a big believer in routines.  It helps with structure and kids then know what to expect.  During holiday times it can be hard to keep your normal routines.  Bedtime may be later or they may not shower that night, it’s ok. Many times when a routine is changed it upset the child, especially if they are toddlers. Try to keep as much as you can constant.  Your family won’t judge you from leaving early or excusing yourself to go help your kids have wind down time before bed.

 

Raising a Grateful Child 

 

4. Remember they are kids

 

 

• Some holiday festivities require kids to be on their best behavior.  It may be sitting at a service, a lengthy meal, or being at someone’s house with no other kids.  Kids should be with the family and be apart for all those events.  Remember though that when you want to sit and talk after eating, kids are done and want to get up.  If you are in a space where it’s ok, let your kids get up when you feel it’s time.  This will ease children’s frustration and make the night more enjoyable for all.

 

 

5. Manners Matter

 

• As you teach manners all year, holidays are a time when they see many people and need to remember their manners.  Just a brief reminder should be all your kid needs.