Ask Us! Helping my Charges be Grateful

We don’t  fly around with a magic umbrella or claim to have the skills of Mary Poppins, but our Nanny Team Counselors do have over 100 years of combined experience placing great Nanny candidates in childcare jobs all over the Bay Area. When it comes to navigating the world of professional in-home childcare, we’ve just about seen it all. So go ahead, Ask Us!

Do you have any suggestions for me to share with my charges as we go into this hurried season of gifts galore? 

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays upon us, it is easy to forget the most important gift we can give children: the gift of gratitude. Here are a few practical ways to teach an attitude of gratitude daily.

1. Work gratitude into your daily conversation. Whether it is looking at the beautiful colors in the leaves of a tree or being thankful for the yummy dessert served at lunch, gratitude can often be found in the every day moments, even in the little things we often take for granted. A good exercise to encourage children to be grateful can be to name at least one thing they are thankful for each day.
2. Set a good example by saying “thank you” sincerely and often. A small “thank you” can go a long way! There are countless opportunities each day to show appreciation to others with a simple “thank you.” You can even go the extra mile and encourage children to write a thank you note to someone who has done something special for them. As an added bonus, it will make the recipient’s day!
3. Encourage generosity. By encouraging children to identify different ways they can help friends, neighbors and others, they can experience firsthand the wonderful feeling that accompanies the act of giving. When they give their time and energy to assisting others, they will gain an added appreciation for the things in their own life.
4. Find the silver lining. When kids complain or gripe, try pointing out the positives by focusing on the bright side of the situation. Learning to look for the good in people and situations can help foster an attitude of gratitude for years to come.
5. Be patient. Learning to be grateful is not something that develops overnight. It is a process that requires practice and reinforcement. The good news is that it truly is the gift that keeps on giving. There is no such thing as being too grateful, so spread the gift of gratitude not only during the holiday season but every day!