As the Thanksgiving season approaches, it’s a great time to pause, contemplate and express gratitude for the blessings that enhance our lives. Gratitude is not a natural instinct, though. Little ones have to learn how to express it!
Research shows having gratitude is not just important to your family’s values, it also has health benefits— including less stress, better sleep, improved optimism, better relationships and less reported anxiety and depression.
The holiday season can be a mixed bag of joy and stress, especially for parents trying to balance tradition, family dynamics and kids’ expectations. Here are some practical tips to help make the season more enjoyable and less overwhelming:
Read More about Harmony Over the Holidays: How Parents Can Find Balance »
The holiday season can be a mixed bag of joy and stress, especially for parents trying to balance traditions, family dynamics and kids’ expectations. In fact, 9 out of 10 U.S. adults say the holidays give them some stress.
Here are some practical tips to help make the season more enjoyable and less overwhelming:
Read More about I’m Dreaming of a Calm Christmas: How to Reduce Holiday Stress »
Caregivers often worry they are not raising children who are appreciative. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, now is the perfect time to focus on gratitude and the many ways to show it.
Children are not born feeling grateful so they begin to understand the concept they also need to begin learning how to practice and show it. As early as age 2 they may start expressing thanks when asked. By ages 3-5, children can understand the concept of gratitude more deeply and show appreciation independently.