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Attitude Of Gratitude—Raising Happier & Healthier Children!

by Gina Woods

Do your children commonly say things like: "I never get to do anything fun" or "Why don't we get to go on vacation all the time like the Jones family?" or even worse, "I hate my life!"

Now, don't panic! I'm not saying that there is something terribly wrong in your home if they do. Most parents have probably heard similar statements spawn out of their little darlings. In fact, these may be statements that you yourself have even mumbled (or yelled) on occasion! Am I right?

So what's my point, you ask?

You've most likely heard the old saying encouraging you to "count your blessings." Well, recent scientific studies now show that counting your blessings is very beneficial to your health! Studies show that people who consciously remind themselves (everyday) of the things they are grateful for show marked improvements in mental health and some aspects of physical health.

One gratitude study asked participants to keep a gratitude journal and record four or five things for which they were thankful each day—even if it was just a sunny day. In just two weeks, participants reported being happier and people close to them noticed a difference too!

Most grateful people have low rates of depression and negative moods—but high self-esteem. There is also evidence that gratitude is related to reduced risk of major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, phobia, bulimia nervosa, nicotine dependence, alcohol dependence, and drug use/dependence.

A daily gratitude intervention (self-guided exercises) with young adults resulted in higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness and energy. Do you know any teens who could benefit from any of those results?

Life isn't always a bowl of cherries. But by encouraging your children to find the little "treasures" that are often hidden amongst the "bad things" each day, they'll grow up to be happier and healthier adults. Also, when they observe YOU having a positive attitude, they'll be quick to follow in your footsteps. Practice what you preach!


Simple ways to Foster an Attitude of Gratitude:

1. Set aside a special time each day to reflect on the positive things that have happened throughout the day, or the previous day.

2. Start keeping a "gratitude journal." Writing down the things that you are grateful for will create a wonderful "story" that you can re-read on days that aren't so good. You can purchase any journal or notebook for this purpose. There is a nice selection of writing journals available at www.spiritwithindesigns.com or you could create your own.

3. Encourage your children to keep a gratitude journal also. They will learn by example, as they see you writing in your journal. Make a habit of discussing with your children some of the things that you are most grateful for each day and ask them to share a few things as well. There are some gratitude journals designed especially for children and teens also available at www.spiritwithindesigns.com/gratitude.html.

4. Avoid people and situations that tend to evoke negative feelings.

5. Create a positive atmosphere in your home and at work.

6. Reward yourself, and your children, for your gratitude efforts. You may wish to treat yourselves to ice cream Sundays as a prize for filling a week's worth of journal pages. And then, you'll have something new to be grateful for too! Yummy!!

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