Even after the Thanksgiving meal is over, remember to keep counting your blessings. Associated Press file
The holiday season means many things to many people -- family and friends, good food, shopping, decorating.
And giving thanks.
Thanksgiving through New Year's Day is the perfect time to count your blessings and to teach your children to appreciate what they have.
"We know that grateful kids are happier (and) more satisfied with their lives," according to Jeffrey Froh, an assistant professor of psychology at Hofstra University.
Read a Washington Post story on his research here. Froh, who has studied gratitude among children and adolescents, has several suggestions on teaching children to be more grateful, including having them keep a journal in which they "counted their blessings."
Parents should model the behavior they expect from their children, and volunteering is one way to help them help others. Whether it is serving a meal to those less fortunate on Thanksgiving or donating your time to a favorite cause, bringing your children along to help is a great way to teach compassion.
My 12-year-old has volunteered with me a number of times at the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, where I serve on the board of directors. Now that my younger daughter is old enough, I look forward to having them both help out at the food bank.
Froh also encourages parents to offer children experiences rather than material things, so be sure to set aside time for family games and activities. Our holidays always includes drives around town looking at light displays both simple and grand, and a seasonal trip to Philbrook Museum of Art is a must.
“It’s important to orient kids towards the values and needs that matter, getting away from those that don’t,” Froh explains. “Filling them with a sense of all the awe and wonder in the world ... helps them realize that there’s a lot more to be grateful for” than new cellphones or toys.
I guess we still need to work on that because my 8-year-old recently announced that she had made her Christmas list for Santa. As she rattled it off -- iPod Touch, cellphone, laptop computer and TV for her room -- my husband and I exchanged bewildered looks.
My husband gently reminded her that while Santa is a generous guy, he doesn't appreciate children who ask for a lot of expensive things that may not be age-appropriate.
I could see the wheels turning in her mind as she thought about what he said. I am looking forward to seeing her less-extravagant, more-grateful list.
