“Gratitude is caught, not taught. Here are five things that we know for sure about giving our children the gift of gratitude:
1. No one is born grateful — we must be exposed to it over time.
2. If we want our children to be grateful, we must live out an attitude of gratitude before them.
3. Gratitude is more than simply saying, “Thank you.” It springs from a deep understanding of value — the value of people and the value of things.
4. Grateful people have a greater feeling of optimism and overall well-being.
5. The opposite of gratitude is entitlement. In an effort to love our children, we often unintentionally create a feeling of entitlement in them.
Gratitude is essential if we are to equip our children for a happy, successful life. Show your appreciation when your very young child goes out of his way to choose a flower, draw a picture, or pick up the trash for you. Openly express your gratitude to those around you so that your child catches the attitude of gratitude. Gently point out opportunities where your child can show her gratitude, even when she is very young.”