As parents, we can model thankful behavior for our children through words and actions. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has some great suggestions:
Involve your children in charitable events. Discuss upcoming events in routine family conversation and brainstorm ways that your family could assist. Even a very young child can assist in choosing a toy for a holiday toy drive.
Tell and read stories about generous people and characters. The book “The Giving Tree,” by Shel Silverstein, might be a way to open a conversation about the “attitude of gratitude.”
Create a family baking day.Prepare small packages of homemade treats to share with an elderly neighbor, your mail carrier, bus driver or teacher.
Notice people who display generosity and kindness. Say “thank-you” out loud when someone opens a door for you, lets you cut in front of them in the check-out line at the store or brings you your morning cup of coffee.
Don’t miss an opportunity to model and teach kindness, gratitude and compassion.
Source: Michigan State University Extension; Random Acts of Kindness Foundation