It’s becoming darker earlier, and emotions are shifting along with the daylight. Just as some adults struggle with winter blues, children can also be impacted by the season. Luckily, winter offers some bright holiday moments to lift the winter dullness. The holidays are a great time to bring attention to thankfulness and gratitude. Gratitude is a bit of a buzzword these days, and for good reason. Research has shown evidence that a gratitude practice can make you (and your child) happier, and healthier!

Gratitude is not something that we are born with. We must learn, practice, and cultivate gratitude in our lives. It may feel like you are a broken record helping a child to learn to say “thank you” to waitstaff, or to write thank you cards for family members and friends, but simple practices like these can lead to more thankfulness later in life; it’s truly never too early to plant the seed of gratitude.

This article from Harvard Health discusses the evidence-based gratitude practices that can lead to greater happiness:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

Benefits of a Gratitude Practice:

Increase Happiness
Lower Stress
Improve Relationships

“Don’t get hung up on WHAT your child is grateful for. Practicing the expression of thankfulness is the goal when teaching gratitude to children. Help your child find what matters to them, and show them how to express their gratitude to others.” - Ally Schmidt, M.Ed.

SIMPLE WAYS TO PRACTICE GRATITUDE WITH YOUR CHILD:

Record

Written Journal
Audio/Video Diary
Gratitude Drawings or Collage
ABCs of Gratitude

Rituals

Bedtime
Meals
After School

Repetition

Lead by Example
Send Thank You’s Regularly
Express Gratitude Openly

Guiding children and teens to recognize the light in their lives can help them focus their attention to the positivity they are surrounded by, and in turn make them happier and healthier. It's certainly worth a try!

I am currently accepting new clients for social emotional coaching for 2020! If your child could use guidance with social skills, anger management, resisting impulsivity, building confidence, overcoming worry, or other SEL skills -- email ally@littleplumeducation.com to schedule a free initial consult. I specialize in Autism/ADHD, and also work with children with/without learning differences.