Sharing Is Caring: Tips for Building Gratitude
When it comes to gratitude, sometimes modeling isn't enough. Kids learn the words "please" and "thank you," but until kids learn how good giving thanks feels, it's harder to build the habit.
Sharing is a skill that kids learn in preschool and can help them bridge between the lessons learned while taking turns to practice mindful gratitude. Here are some ways to uplevel kids' sharing skills:
Make a video or drawing and share it with a family member. Help your child find words to explain why they are sharing. ("I made this for you because I love you!")
If your child has an allowance or opportunities to earn their own spending money, encourage them to set aside some for donations. If you donate to a favorite non-profit, explain why giving back matters to you.
Talk to your child about community needs like food insecurity. Volunteering at a food pantry or donating to a food drive can be a tangible way for kids to get involved. If you're not sure how to start talking about poverty, Maddie's Way is an approachable book to get the conversation going. Here's Jennifer Garner reading on Storyline Online: https://storylineonline.net/books/maddis-fridge/ or this version by Donna Kirschner:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBM2s7l3m2I