Talking to Children - COVID 19

Gratitude is good for kids, too!

Helping our children learn how to incorporate gratitude into their lives has many benefits for them, such as improved sleep, health and happiness. This was the topic of a recent Kids Considered podcast by Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases, and Lena van der List a UC Davis Health pediatrician. Their tips include:

1. Try asking your child each night at bedtime to list one or two positive things that  happened that day. These can be very simple – a tasty sandwich, a fun story they read or a good night’s sleep.
   
2. Help your children notice the things in their life to be grateful for and mark them. For example, if they receive a gift, ask them to reflect on how that makes them feel and encourage them to express their appreciation.
   
3. Try meditation – just 3-5 minutes a day can make a big difference.
   
4. Try simple, kid-friendly yoga.
   
5. Be a good gratitude role model by expressing your appreciation for your children and other good things in your life.
   
6. Encourage kids to openly express their gratitude. For example, by saying thank you to a friend for a fun play date.
   
7. Consider getting your child involved in a volunteer opportunity, like cleaning up a local park, visiting a local nursing home (when it’s safe to do so) or tutoring younger children.