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As cool grandmas, we want our grandkids to be the most grateful, positive, and happy little munchkins out there.
We all know that gratitude is the secret ingredient to make that happen, right? So, let’s dish out some of our wisdom and teach our grandkids the importance of being thankful!
In this list, I’ll share some fun and creative ways to teach gratitude to our grandkids, from practicing mindful eating to creating a gratitude board. So let’s put on our granny glasses and get to work!
1. Encourage Reflection
Encourage your grandchildren to reflect on their day and identify things they are grateful for. This can be done during a quiet moment before bedtime or during a family discussion. Help them to focus on the positive aspects of their lives, which will, in turn, create a sense of gratitude.
2. Practice Gratitude Together
Practicing gratitude together is a fun and interactive way to teach our grandchildren about gratitude. One way to do this is to create a gratitude jar, where everyone writes down something they are thankful for on a piece of paper and puts it in the jar. Then, during family gatherings, take turns pulling out the pieces of paper and reading them aloud. This helps to reinforce the positive aspects of our lives and encourages our grandchildren to express gratitude.
3. Emphasize Giving Back
We can emphasize giving back by volunteering with our grandchildren at a local food bank, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter. We can also encourage them to donate toys, clothes, or books to children in need. By giving back, our grandchildren will learn to appreciate what they have and develop empathy for others.
4. Teach Mindfulness
Teach mindfulness by encouraging your grandchildren to be present in the moment and aware of their surroundings. Go on walks with them and encourage them to notice the sights, sounds, and smells around them. You can also encourage them to take deep breaths when they feel overwhelmed, which can help them to focus on the present moment.
5. Practice Gratitude Daily
An easy way to teach gratitude is by setting aside a few minutes each day to think about the things we/they are thankful for. This can be done through journaling, drawing, or simply talking about it. As grandma, we can help them to identify the things that make them happy, and to express gratitude for those things. By making gratitude a daily practice, it will become a natural part of their lives.
6. Lead by Example
To lead by example, we can express gratitude in our daily lives, such as saying thank you to the cashier or holding the door open for someone. We can also talk about the things we are thankful for during family dinners or get-togethers. By modeling gratitude, our grandchildren will learn to express gratitude as well.
7. Encourage Gratitude Through Storytelling
Storytelling can be a great way to teach our grandchildren about the importance of gratitude. We can share stories from our own childhood or experiences where we learned to be thankful. For example, you can tell them about a time when you received a gift that you didn’t expect or a moment when you were grateful for the support of a friend or family member. Through storytelling, we can help our grandchildren to understand the value of gratitude in a relatable way.
8. Create a Gratitude Board
Creating a gratitude board can be a fun and creative way for our grandchildren to express their gratitude. Set up a bulletin board or a poster board where they can post pictures, quotes, or notes of things they are thankful for. They can decorate it with colorful markers or stickers and add to it whenever they want. This can help them to focus on the positive aspects of their lives and appreciate the little things.
9. Practice Mindful Eating
Practicing mindful eating is a great way to teach our grandchildren about gratitude and appreciation. Encourage them to take time to savor each bite of their food, to notice the flavors and textures, and to express gratitude for the nourishment it provides. We can also teach them about the origin of the food, such as where it was grown and how it was prepared, which can help them to develop a deeper appreciation for the food they eat.
10. Give Thanks Before Meals
Giving thanks before meals is a simple but powerful way to practice gratitude as a family. Grandmas can encourage their grandchildren to take turns saying a prayer of thanks or to express their gratitude for the food they are about to eat. This can be a daily tradition that helps our grandchildren to develop a habit of expressing gratitude and appreciation.
11. Volunteer Together
Volunteering together can be a meaningful way to teach our grandchildren about the importance of giving back to our community. You can involve them in a volunteer activity that aligns with their interests, such as serving at an animal shelter or organizing a community cleanup. This can teach them about the value of helping others and the positive impact it can have on our community.
12. Focus on the Positive
Focusing on the positive aspects of our lives can help our grandchildren to develop a more grateful attitude. Ask them to identify the things they are thankful for, even in difficult situations. For example, if they are having a bad day at school, we can help them to focus on the positive moments, such as spending time with a good friend or learning a new skill. By focusing on the positive, we can help our grandchildren to develop a more positive and grateful outlook on life.
Well, there you have it! Some fun and effective ways to teach our grandkids about the importance of gratitude. Let’s keep on being the cool grandmas that we are and inspire our grandkids to be thankful for the little things in life. Who knows, we might even learn a thing or two from them along the way!
