Gratitude, something we all like to receive. It is something we would agree needs to be active in our hearts (especially if we want to be in agreement with the Word!). But, is it something that those that know us, would describe as one of our attributes? Celebrating Thanksgiving once a year is just a beginning. God instructs us to be thankful, not only because it brings honor to Him, but because it is actually beneficial to the “thank-ee”.
It has been scientifically tested and proven that cultivating positive emotions such as appreciation and gratitude can improve the heart's rhythmic functioning say Rollin McCraty of the HeartMath Research Center and Doc Childre of Quantum Intec Inc. It actually helps our health!

Thankful hearts are faith-hearts. People want to be around people who are grateful so it adds benefits to family life, job relationships and especially helps communicate the gospel more easily. Grateful people have a sense of appreciation for what they do have, and therefore are not as easily susceptible to emotions of disappointment, regret and frustration. They are generally happier people and have a tendency to maintain good friendships.

Unfortunately, thankfulness is not part of our natural nature. Selfishness is! Someone said that gratitude is the weakest of all emotions. We do not stay grateful for long, because that makes us indebted, and our natural man does not like to feel indebted to anyone. Gratitude is acknowledging that someone did something for me that I could not do for myself…and so it reveals our vulnerability and dependence on others.

As parents we want to see the benefits of a grateful heart firmly rooted in our family. So, how do we help cultivate this type of heart in our children?

Lead by example: First of all, we must develop and demonstrate a grateful heart ourselves. Children who are treated with respect are given an example of thankfulness anda have these seeds planted into their hearts. Adults who expect children to be grateful, but do not give respect to children may receive a forced thank you, but they do not plant seeds of thanksgiving instead seeds of resentment take root. Taking time to thank the store clerk, your spouse, or a child’s teacher will reinforce any formal teaching on thankfulness. Ask your child to take out the garbage then thank him for his effort or his obedience and it will add a tone of gratitude in your home. Catch them being thankful and give a positive comment on how that you noticed and the effect on the person they were thankful to. Does a little child run to your arms thanking you for a special gift? Respond immediately with affirmation and acknowledgement.

Take advantage of teachable moments: Deuteronomy 19:11?instructs: You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. Taking advantage of opportune teaching moments is the best way to impart into our children any life lesson.

At mealtime: Ask your children to pray for the meal and include something they were especially thankful for that day. Listen for ways to turn criticism and complaints to gratitude. (I am sorry your teacher didn’t call on you, but I am thankful you knew the answer).

At bedtime: casually asking what they were thankful for, not only brings it to their attention, but it may reveal how they think and things they care about.

Let them be themselves and develop their own style. Although every child needs to learn to express appreciation verbally, not all find it their most comfortable expression. They may choose to hug or draw a picture or card. Receive their style of appreciation, even if it is different than yours. Teenagers also may go through a difficult period of verbally expressing appreciation. Small reminders may be useful. You may catch it in their eyes, or a quick hug. Don’t diminish those expressions. It’s the sincerity that matters. Look for their heart.

Teach them to be thankful to the Lord, and for the Lord. We desire for our children to have an attitude of appreciation to God, and for God. Again, modeling is the best way to pass this on. Allowing our children to hear our sincere, genuine praise and thanksgiving to the Lord will communicate to them the importance of this attitude to us, and ultimately for them. The Holy Spirit can help us with this as well. Taking time with our children to rehearse God’s goodness, His faithfulness and answers to prayer as we live each day will set an example and plant seeds in their hearts. Allowing them to pray from their heart—even if they spend time thanking God for their doll or bike, (no snickers allowed) will begin to train them in this wonderful attribute. Teach them to thank the Lord for their siblings.

Don’t give up. Taking the time to teach our children to be thankful adds much value to their lives. Helping our children develop a sincere grateful heart prepares them to have an easier time of socialization. They will find it easier to make and keep friends, get along with their teachers and other adults. Plus think of all the benefits to their hearts!

Don’t have any children of your own? You are still an example to these young ones. Remember it takes a village to raise a child.

The goal of thankfulness is help us look to God and others. It is to help remind us that life is not all about us. Developing a grateful heart is pleasing and glorifying to the Lord. It is well worth the effort, for us as well as our children. O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good!