November is the national month for random acts of kindness, as well as the celebration of Thanksgiving. Why should gratitude be a part of our everyday routine? How can parents help their teens be intentionally grateful every day?
Do you ever hear comments like these and hope that your teen never stirs similar feelings from people? Sometimes in teens, we recognize an exaggerated version of our own tendencies, and teens are easy to blame for bad behavior because they often lack the sophistication to hide their mindset and motivations.
Why should teens be grateful? Talk to your teens about how thankfulness:
- Takes our focus away from complaints, anxiety, and depression.
- Gives us a purpose in our daily routine activities.
- Inspires others to be appreciative, grateful, and kind.
- Takes people by surprise in a good way.
- Builds our reputation and the respect others afford us.
- Demonstrates honor and thanks for the people in our lives.
Actions that remind all of us to have a grateful mindset:
- Post notecards with grateful statements in lockers, bathrooms, or bedrooms.
- Write a message on social media expressing thankfulness for something specific.
- Send a thank-you note to a friend or family member–even for something small that has been noticed and valued.
- At dinner, have each person share what he or she is grateful for that day.
- Change habits! React to complaints and struggles by intentionally noticing and talking about the valuable things in life.
Action step: Each week this month, plan to do something kind and unexpected for another person. Encourage your teen to do the same, and share the stories together as a family.
Sources on file; available upon request.