We all want our kids to whine less and say thank you more often! The benefits of gratitude are scientifically proven: increased happiness, improved sleep, and boosted self-esteem. DeeDee and Ximena discuss all the clever ways they nudge their children, tweens, and teens towards a greater realization of all they have to be thankful for.
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QUOTABLES
Ximena: "We always say in our house, 'Exchange a bad attitude for gratitude.' I have it written and on my wall because so many times things spiral out of control in our home. And it's like, 'Okay, let's stop for a second and let's think of some things that we're grateful for.' And sometimes they don't want to do it. But I know that [gratitude] helps me when I start thinking everything is the worst."
TIMESTAMPS
03:06 Gratitude is not just an idea or a feeling but the action of showing appreciation or returning kindness.
03:54 Seven scientifically proven benefits of gratitude.
05:48 A leading gratitude researcher confirms that gratitude effectively reduces depression and increases happiness.
06:38 Gratitude also enhances empathy, which in turn reduces aggression (and maybe passive aggression, too!).
08:04 Grateful people sleep better.
09:04 Gratitude improves confidence and self-esteem. Homeschooled kids are not immune to peer pressure and the comparison trap.
11:47 DeeDee sings a song her kid wrote about gratitude!
15:52 The primary way to teach gratitude is to MODEL it by verbalizing in front of your kids what you're thankful for.
17:01 Make thanksgiving a regular practice: going around the table when everybody says something they're grateful for, keeping a gratitude journal.
18:29 Team work can help us see how we need each other instead of comparing and grumbling.
19:1 Practicing generosity/charity as a family.
21:08 Reading books about different cultures of history, times of war/famine/disaster, etc. to expose kids to the realties of how fortunate they actually are.
22:08 Exposing kids to the realities of budgeting helps them be more grateful about material things. Help kids learn the difference between needs and wants.
25:33 Modeling minimalism and conscious shopping.
SPECIAL SEGMENTS
00:5 Self-care Your Way
24:01 What We’re Reading
Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.
