Cultivating an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ at Thanksgiving, and All Year Long

It seems to happen earlier and earlier every year. The stash of Halloween candy has barely dwindled and we are bombarded by advertisements promoting the hottest new toys and electronics of the season. The spectacle that is Black Friday has become a holiday unto itself.

 Thanksgiving’s simple message tends to get lost in the shuffle of the usual holiday frenzy.  But it is possible to refocus your children’s attention away from a coveted American Girl doll or Xbox game and toward more altruistic and empathetic pursuits.

 Fostering an “attitude of gratitude” won’t only help to diminish a materialistic mindset, but may result in a barrage of positive side effects. One recent scientific study showed that a conscious gratitude practice results in happier, more hopeful children, who are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, cheat on exams and engage in other negative behaviors.

 Developing some simple practices at home with your children can really make a difference in cultivating thankfulness on an ongoing basis – not just once a year on Turkey Day.

·      Start a daily gratitude jar: Have each family member write something he or she is thankful for on a slip of paper, and drop it into a Mason jar or coffee can. Over time, the children – and adults too – will start to shift their perspective to the many positive components of their lives. At the end of the month, gather the family together to read all of the notes, and be prepared to feel an amazing sense of well-being and contentment 

·      Roses and thorns: Elevate your dinnertime conversation from “What did you do in school today?” by starting this fun tradition. Go around the table every night and ask your kids what was their “rose” – the happiest or most interesting part of the day – and their “thorn” – the most challenging aspect of the day. It helps children to realize that even on days that may have been difficult, they can always find gratitude for at least some small moment

·      Be a model of gratitude: It’s hard to believe, but your children actually are listening to you. Parents remain the strongest role models for a child, so be sure to let them hear you practicing what you preach. If you feel like you are nagging and complaining more than you would like, consider buying a Complaint Free Bracelet -or just use a bracelet you already own - and setting a goal to go 21 consecutive days without complaining (much easier said than done!)

It’s great to remind our children how fortunate they are compared to so many others around the world, and within the local community. But this point can really be driven home when kids have the chance to participate in a service project.

There are countless opportunities for families to lend a hand, whether serving meals at a soup kitchen, stocking the shelves of a food pantry or even taking care of animals at a shelter. Other great hands-on options include volunteering to help build affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity or putting together a care package for a soldier through Operation Shoebox. (For more volunteer ideas, search online at www.volunteermatch.org or www.volunteernewjersey.org).

Kids are kids, and they will probably never stop begging you for that iPad Mini, but with a little effort, every day can be a day of giving thanks.

Contributed by USA Karate & Fitness Official Training Center www.usakaratefitness.com

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