Do you believe that a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles, mama?
Being appreciative of the many blessings in life, no matter how small they may be, is a habit we hope to instill in our children. Especially for teens who have the tendency to exhibit entitled behavior, it’s a must to raise them to have an attitude of gratitude when everyone else is showing an attitude of doom and gloom.
Train your teenage son or daughter to focus on the positive aspects of their life and know how to recognize the good things by starting them on the path of gratitude practice. Here’s how:
1. Begin the day with a thankful thought.
For most teens, checking their gadgets is the first thing they do when they wake up. Encourage them to replace that habit with something more empowering: saying their “Thank yous” first thing in the morning. Uttering “Thank you for another day” or “Thank you for this life” to kick off one’s day can prove to be transformative.
2. Start a gratitude journal.
There’s no better way to keep track of the good things in your life than to jot them down in a journal. It’s easy and doesn’t require too much effort. Establish this daily routine and watch how it can shift your teen’s perspective in life — from complaining too much to being more grateful.
3. “What am I thankful for today?”
Every night, before they drift off to dreamland, encourage them to think of at least 3 things they are thankful for that day. Think of it as them summarizing their day, with a good twist. It can be the hearty meal they had for breakfast, the refreshing morning breeze that greeted them when they walked out the door, or a good laugh with friends at school. It doesn’t even have to be grand. The key is to make them appreciate even the littlest of things.
4. Download and use a gratitude app.
Teens and their gadgets: this love affair is unlike any other. What about taking advantage of this and asking them to download a gratitude app on their mobile phone? Apps like Delightful: Gratitude Journal, 365 Gratitude Journal, and Happyfeed: Gratitude Journal will remind them to be thankful despite the many setbacks in life and flex their gratitude muscles.
5. Pay it forward by volunteering.
Volunteering is a good way to teach children about being grateful in life. By becoming a volunteer and helping those who have less in life, your teen will have a deeper appreciation and understanding of the opportunities that have been made available for them.
