Gratitude 5

It seems each year that the passing of Halloween somehow signals an ever more furious rush toward the holiday season in our household.  It's difficult sometimes not to feel like I'm running toward a finish line in mid-January when I welcome the letdown from the planning, preparation, and execution of both kids' birthdays, Christmas, New Year's, etc., etc.  I find myself looking for ways to notice and mark the joys of being in the midst of a very full and very busy family life- falling into gratitude for the moments that come and go so quickly.  After all, my children seem a little taller everyday.  I can't afford to wish these weeks away.

November is the perfect time to think about practicing gratitude in your family too.  You've seen all the Facebook status updates, right?  Our hearts and heads (and tummies) are slowly turning toward Thanksgiving and all that this time of year means for each of us.  As parents, it's good to be thankful and to show our kids what it means to keep our glasses half-full, if not overflowing.  Learning to practice gratitude helps to hone optimism, a skill that inoculates our children from a future withered by doubt, depression, and negativity.  And (thankfully!) practicing gratitude with your child doesn't have to be complicated.  Here's one super simple daily ritual you can incorporate:

Gratitude 5:
Set aside a time each day to practice this game with your child.  Around the breakfast table, in the bathtub, at bedtime- you choose.  Have your child hold up one hand, or if they're too little to do it on their own, hold their hand in yours.  Gently pinching or pointing to one finger at a time, say, "Listen to me. I'm thankful as can be for____."  Let your child fill in the blank, or fill in the blank yourself.  Repeat for each finger until you've made a list of five things that are oh-so-very-right in the world.  If you like, take turns and switch places.  Let your child hold your hand while you make your own list.  Do your best to focus on non-material items when making your list, but understand that it's perfectly alright and understandable that your four year-old will likely feel a deep sense of gratitude for his Spiderman action figure.  It's also entirely possible that your child's wisdom will surprise you.  Tuck those sweet, funny, insightful moments into your own heart and give thanks for them.

-Posted by Jenn Horak-Hult (a.k.a. Miss Jenn)