We’re enjoying autumn weather, changing colors of the leaves, and looking forward to family get-togethers during Thanksgiving. It’s a time to focus on being grateful, which is something we try to instill in our children throughout the year that starts with being polite and always saying “thank you” when appropriate.
But being grateful goes way beyond polite manners. A study published in the Journal of School Psychology showed school-age children who count their blessings are happier in school, more optimistic, and feel more satisfied with their lives in general. So often, kids focus on the concrete—what they don’t have, and what they want. But always wanting more, different, or better creates anxiety and stress. Recognizing what we do have, instead of focusing on what we don’t, brings peace and calm. And being truly grateful for nontangible things is what makes life so sweet.
When we express gratitude for the awesome people and things in our lives, we’re helping the children who are looking to us as role models to do the same. Again, it’s not just about stuff. It’s the more meaningful gifts like a loving family, good friends, food on the table, and good health that really matter. Many kids aren’t even aware that not everyone else has those things.
Try to practice gratitude each day. A breakfast conversation about what you are all looking forward to will get the day off to a positive, optimistic start. Or try taking a quiet moment to chat or say a blessing before dinner, encouraging each person to share something they were grateful for that day.
Being grateful is a feeling and awareness that develops throughout childhood and adolescence—so don’t be discouraged if the kid in your life doesn’t jump on the thankfulness train right away. Just know that by setting an example of gratitude you’ll be helping them see—and truly appreciate—all the wonder in their world.
This year, Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast is encouraging everyone to “Spread Kindness” through fun activities; we invite families to create homemade, heartfelt cards of thanks, gratitude, and kindness, as part of the Council-wide community service effort aimed at doing what Girl Scouts do best: make the world a better place.
Hosting a family fun night to create kindness cards is a wonderful way to connect with each other and teach valuable lessons about gratitude, empathy, and service. Give your cards to anyone who might appreciate a kind message, from family members and friends to community helpers and service people, or the residents of a local nursing home.
Being kind and being grateful are just two of the many guiding principles in the Girl Scout Promise and Law, which provide girls in grades K-12 with a roadmap for positive living, and a community of support and friendship. If you’re interested in opening up more positive experiences for the girl in your life, get in touch with Girl Scouts today; you can sign up to attend a free event near you for hands-on fun and learning at gsccc.org/discover.
