How to Teach Your Child to Show Appreciation
It is important to show your child how to show appreciation and thanks. This may seem like an impossible task but if your break it down into smaller steps, it becomes much easier.
The first thing you can do is to rehearse with your child. If they have a birthday party coming up or a gifting holiday like Christmas, teach your child what some appropriate things to say would be. You could tell them to say things such as “Thank you for the gift.” “I really appreciate the gift.”
Be sure that you rehearse with your child so that they not only know what to say but they have an idea of what their facial expressions should look like and what their body language should represent.
Explain to your child that sometimes they may receive a gift they may not like. However, it is not about the gift but it is the thought that counts. Teach your child early on not to be materialistic.
If your child feels awkward practicing with you, have them practice with their favorite teddy bear or doll. It is important that they practice and repeat things over and over. The more they practice, the better they will be when the day comes. The night before is not the time to start practicing what they are going to say.
Role play with your child. Your child will be himself and you will play the role of Aunt Mary. Set up a few instances such as what he would say if Aunt Mary spent a great deal of time choosing his gift. What would he do if he didn’t like it.
It is not the price of the gift either that should matter. Homemade presents are just as nice as a new helicopter or dollhouse.
Towanna B. Freeman is the founder of BlackLifeCoaches.net. She is also a mother of two, community mentor, inspirational speaker, and author of Purposeful Action, 7 Steps to Fulfillment.
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