In a second of a series of posts on teaching kids to be grateful, Ruth Hamblen, with the Le Bonheur Center for Children and Parents, shares her thoughts on appreciating the world around us.
One way to teach children about gratitude is observing the multitude of blessings around us. While it’s easy to take things for granted, Hamblen reminds us “we live in a world where the majority of people do not have access to medical care or clean water. Many children live in constant fear of starvation or injury or war.”
Although we don’t want to burden children with the problems of the world, parents and other adults should capitalize on the sense of wonder children express.
Encourage the moments when children marvel at new budding flowers or a flock of geese at the park. When seasons or the weather change, observe the rain and lightning in a storm and the beauty of autumn leaves. Take walks together along the Mississippi River or through a local park.
“The world surrounds us with many wonderful things for which we can be grateful and that should not be taken for granted,” Hamblen says.
Celebrate the world around you, and your children will too.
