As we are getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving Day in America this Thursday, I was remembering the ways that my parents instilled in my siblings and I the significance of showing appreciation.
When I was growing up, the phrase, “Gracias a Dios,” (“Thank God”) was used quite often during the day. From arriving home safe from school (we walked in packs to and from school with other children from the neighborhood) to receiving a good grade in a test we studied hard for, to finding out that a sick relative was going to be ok, the words always came out of my mother’s mouth. Her other favorite words were “Si Dios Quiere,” or as you would say in English, “Godwilling.” Anything we would say that had to do with an action that would happen in the future, came attached to those three words or those words were attached to it.
Just to give you an example, if I walked in from school and announced that “My class is planning a trip to the museum tomorrow,” I would hear my mom in the background, “Si Dios Quiere.”
My siblings and I didn’t really understand either phrase well until we were grown-ups and realized my mom was teaching us how to be grateful.
In addition to hearing her grateful words throughout the day, my mom was also big on making calls or write thank you notes to show our appreciation. And yes, hand-written notes, not from the typewriter (I am dating myself!). Today, she says it is easier with the computer to send a quick thank you, but, she still believes children should be taught to sit down and write a note to show they really appreciated whatever gesture. You guessed it, my children grew up writing notes. To this day. To them now, it is second nature, no questions asked. It is what happens when we teach children from the get-go. Like brushing their teeth two or three times a day, speaking Spanish at home (ha! had to add this one in, verdad?) or reading every day!
And, in my case, my children got double doses of the being grateful lessons. My mom’s example was not cornered. My husband also grew up with a mom that used the word “Godwilling” to many a conversation. I remember the first time I met her, and I said something about the next day, and she said, “Godwilling.” I smiled.
Teaching our children to be grateful and to show how much they appreciate others or an appreciative a gesture, it is something we should do every day. That we have a special day to remind us why and how to be grateful it is wonderful. But, I am certain that there are small things we can do every day to ensure that we raise children that are generous, kind, empathetic, void of entitlement and understanding that the mere gesture of saying thank you, can have amazing consequences for the rest of his/her life.
Here are 5 ways to guide you in raising grateful children. In any language, in any culture!
- Every nite, maybe at bedtime, ask the kids to tell you what they are grateful/thankful for that day.
- Every day, maybe at the dinner table, ask your kids what act of kindness did they show towards someone that day.
- Every day, share with the kids what made you happy that day and ask the kids what made them happy that day.
- Be a good example and be happy for others in front of your children.
- Do something every day that teach your children to understand and appreciate the value of integrity.
Bai, Bai for now,Maritere
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