Evie's Desk: Modeling Thankfulness During Upcoming Holiday Season

With Thanksgiving just behind us, families are looking forward to the coming holidays.

Many of us will be spending more time with our children in the coming weeks, so it's a good time to share reflections of gratitude for our blessings throughout the year.

Here are some tips for parents on modeling thankfulness to children:

Express thankfulness directly: Take every opportunity to tell our children we are thankful for them and for all the other good people in our lives.

Follow the "Rule of 5 to 1": When children make negative comments about someone or something, suggest they say five positive things before saying anything else.

Give freely: Show children that you make giving to others a high priority in your life.

Say "please" and "thank you:" Create a positive atmosphere in your home by modeling and encouraging common courtesy.

Remember, teaching our children to be grateful and generous is a lot more like baking a turkey than microwaving vegetables - it takes lots of time and tender, loving care..

Evelyn V. Martinez
Executive Director
First 5 LA

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