Learning Moments Made Simple: Showing Appreciation
In the world of kids, there's a simple yet powerful tool that builds connections and spreads good vibes—appreciations. Ever wondered how teaching your child to express and receive appreciation goes beyond polite gestures? Let's dive into this practical guide, exploring the why and how behind fostering gratitude in the heart of your little one.
WHAT: Sharing Thanks with Appreciations
Appreciations, at its core, are about saying something nice and giving thanks. Perfect for preschoolers and older kids, this practice sets the stage for a culture of kindness.
WHY: Making Friends Through Appreciation
Kids use appreciations to be kind to others. It's not just about saying thanks; it's about learning to be friendly and have fun.
HOW: Growing Gratitude in Your Child
As a parent, you play an important role in growing this practice. Here's a simple guide to making appreciations a part of your child's daily routine:
Step 1: Talk About Appreciation
Start a conversation about what appreciation means. Chat about being thankful for things others do. Think together about words and phrases that show appreciation.
Step 2: Show Appreciation
Demonstrate how to say something nice. Focus on appreciating efforts, accomplishments, or being friendly. For instance, say, “I like that you put those books away” or “I enjoy when you share the building blocks with me.”
Step 3: Share Nice Words Together
Sit with your child and take turns thinking of something you both like about each other. This is a special time for you and your child to share kind words. Discuss how it feels to say thanks and hear thanks from each other.
Step 4: Make Appreciations a Daily Habit
Encourage your child to say nice things throughout the day. Whether after working together, sharing a toy, or playing on the playground, these regular reminders will likely inspire your child to share positive words more often.
By embracing the practice of appreciations, you're not just teaching manners; you're sowing seeds of kindness that will grow into a strong, positive relationship with your child. Explore more helpful insights in our other blog posts or discover local literacy-related happenings on our events calendar.
Check out even more great tips on how to incorporate learning into your everyday routine with the Administration for Children & Families’ guide here.