Preschoolers can be pretty ungrateful.
It's OK, they are supposed to be that way. Infants and toddlers are unable to realize that they are not the centers of the universe. Grasping a concept that big is really too much for them. As they move into the preschool age they begin to see that they are not really the end all of everything, but what to do with this new information can still be too much to process. As they mature gratitude for what they have, rather than expecting that what they want will be immediately given, blossoms. Still, if you are worried that your preschooler is becoming a "spoilt brat' or you just want to help them move through the transition here are a few ideas to use.
One great thing to do is to create a daily habit of being grateful. For a young preschooler this does not have to be much. Take a few moments each day to share some of the things you are grateful for and encourage your preschooler to share hers as well. You can also take a few moments after or before meals to say thanks for the food. These little things can show your preschooler what being thankful means.
When your preschooler has a case of the "gimmies" it can be easy to get frustrated. You may feel that they are being ungrateful about the things they already have, and sometimes they do act that way.
One way to combat this is to talk to your preschooler about what they already have verses what they want. Try not to make them feel guilty for wanting what ever it is that they want, and always validate that their want is very real. Help them see that while they may not have the latest toy they see there are still many great things that they already have.
Of course the best way to teach gratitude to your preschooler is to show it yourself. Just like all of the other habits that they mimic from their parents, being thankful is something they will pick up from you.
Talk about being grateful often, and tell your children that you are grateful for them. Do things to show your gratitude for what you have in front of them and take the time to explain why. Over time your preschooler will mature and begin to understand gratitude in their own way.
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