Teaching gratitude to little ones

I was reading Kidlutions:Cultivating Gratitude in Our Children… and loving all the ideas about raising a child with gratitude. It got me thinking about Thanksgiving, being thankful for the many blessing we have along with Christmas time when we get overwhelmed by generosity that we often times forget to be grateful and show gratitude.

Wendy shares many simple and effective ways to encourage gratitude that are practical and you can do today with our kids. I especially like her 3rd item. A physical representation of gratitude shows gratitude in a whole new way.

At this time of year it’s all a bit overwhelming with planning and organising for the holiday times. For those that planned early there is much reward but it never stops the ‘I want that….” whines from the kids as we take them around the stores. Finding time to talk to them about being grateful for what you’ve got is never the right time with Christmas music and a busy store. We come across as snappy and irritated and they come off as ungrateful, especially because you know how much you’ve already spent on their presents. It’s hard to get perspective.

It’s a hard time.

But the best time.

Well maybe not in the store but it’s a good season to talk about being grateful.

One way we do this is by using  VeggieTales – Madame Blueberry. See the Trailer below.

Watching this DVD together gives us a chance to talk about getting……..’ so much stuff.’ without being too preachy. Of course if you then go out and get lots of stuff you surely defeat the object.

We like it because it gives us a chance to talk about buying things while we are away from the stores. …..”Remember Madam Blueberry” is another line to add to the arsenal when we’re at the stores. It’s easier to talk about the characters and the children relate.

How do you teach or cultivate gratitude?