Raising a teenager with a spirit of gratitude, or who is thankful for the good things in their life, is a worthy goal. Years of scientific research has proven that grateful people are happier and more satisfied with their lives.
Experts say that one of the best ways to encourage genuine thankfulness in our children is to role model it. We are constantly teaching our kids how to behave through our actions whether we realize it or not.
One way to increase our gratitude is by helping other people. Volunteering, serving others, or performing random acts of kindness actually make us feel good and gives us a sense of purpose. So, if you want your teen to embrace gratitude, consider role modeling service to others!
Here are 10 simple random acts of kindness that you can do with your teen(s):
- Thank your local fire or police station by surprising them with handmade cards and/or homemade treats.
- Tape coupons to different products around the grocery store.
- Hand out quarters at the laundromat.
- Write thank-you notes to people who you don’t normally thank, such as your favorite waiter at the local restaurant or an important teacher at school.
- Rake leaves for your elderly neighbor.
- Buy a small bouquet of flowers for a friend, just because.
- Feed the parking meters for strangers.
- Put encouraging post-it notes on the mirror of a public restroom.
- Paint inspiration stones to leave around town.
- Write a letter to an elderly relative or to a deployed soldier.