Teaching your gifted child gratitude is more than just training him to say “thank you.” That’s an automatic response. It requires no thinking… just certain conditions present. When it comes to teaching gratitude, a parent has to work on the overall attitude of his gifted child. Your toy broke? I’m so sorry. Let’s reflect on the joy that toy gave you and decide if a replacement is required.

    Now, of course, you can’t ask a young child that question in exactly those words, but if you console and then direct him to be thankful for the time he had with it and employ him to work out whether a replacement is needed or he just wants to preserve the memory, you will be teaching your child an attitude of gratitude.

    Why is it even important to teach this? Because without it, we run the risk of raising selfish, materialistic children.  I see this over and over. You’d be surprised how many secondary students I have to teach how to be grateful for the experience in spite of a loss. 

    If this task seems daunting or unrealistic, you are probably going to need to do a check on yourself. Do you have an attitude of gratitude? Are you thankful for what you learn through adversity? Don't cripple your children by blocking all adversity from their lives. This is how kids become thoughtful adults, and thoughtful adults develop attitudes of gratitude.

Michelle