Parents who show gratitude, are more extroverted, or are religiously involved are all more likely to have children who experience gratitude \u2013 who are happier and more appreciative of things others do for them and give them.<\/p>\n
William Rothenberg and colleagues investigated how the link between parents\u2019 gratitude and children\u2019s gratitude works. They studied 100 parent-child pairs. Parents and children visited the laboratory once, and the parents kept a seven-day on-line diary reporting on the child\u2019s gratitude. The diary asked parents to report on their child\u2019s emotions more than formal politeness \u2013 for example, \u201cmy child recognised the effort or thoughtfulness behind a gift or object they received from others\u201d or \u201cmy child expressed positive feelings when they received something special\u201d.<\/p>\n
The researchers found that parents who showed more gratitude were more likely to set goals that gave their children opportunities to develop a sense of gratitude for other people and to be thankful. Examples of such parental goals included \u201cteaching your child how it feels to be grateful\u201d and \u201cteaching your child how to express gratitude\u201d. These parents were also more likely to place their children in activities that encouraged a sense of gratitude \u2013 family dinners and social events, choosing a school that emphasises gratitude, setting up play dates, participating in groups that engage in community activities.<\/p>\n
Other research has shown that specific activities with children can increase their feelings and expressions of gratitude \u2013 for example, reading and writing a thank-you letter, listing five things to be grateful for each day, or learning about the costs and benefits of giving.<\/p>\n
Giving children opportunities to be grateful doesn\u2019t explain all of the link between gratitude in parents and gratitude in children. Other factors may be at work. The researchers suggest that genetic influences may be at play, or that grateful parents may also use other activities to teach their children gratitude besides the ones examined in this research.<\/p>\n
Developing gratitude in childhood is known to bring advantages in later life \u2013 greater life satisfaction and better health, physical and mental. Nurturing a sense of gratitude in children should be a priority for all involved in the care and raising of children.<\/p>\n