How to Teach It
Children model their parents in every way , so make sure you use “ please ” and “ thank you ” when you talk to them . (“ Thanks for that hug – it made me feel great !”)
Work gratitude into your daily conversation
Try weaving appreciation for mundane things into our everyday talk . (“ We ’ re so lucky to have a good cat like Sam !”) Make saying what good things happened today part of the dinnertime conversation
Have kids help
It happens to all of us : You give your child a chore , but it ’ s too agonizing watching him a ) take forever to clear the table or b ) make a huge mess mixing the pancake batter . The temptation is always to step in and do it yourself . But the more you do for them , the less they appreciate your efforts .
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