Research has shown that the maintenance of family traditions is far more important to children of all ages than most parents realize. Despite their eye-rolling, teens gain a sense of belonging through family rituals that make them part of a clearly defined unit and create lasting memories. While we often focus on creating traditions for December holidays, Thanksgiving can offer
Read moreAs Thanksgiving approaches, many parents might be wondering how to make the holiday meaningful to their teens or how to raise their teens to be more grateful… or at least less entitled. Raising a teen who is grateful or who appreciates the good things in their life is a worthy goal. Years of research convincingly shows that, when compared with
Read moreIn a recent poll, more than 80% of Americans admitted that they find the holiday season to be ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ stressful. This is a sad statement considering that the holidays are supposed to be times of good cheer! Experts say that one of the best stress busters is cultivating a sense of gratitude. Studies consistently show that people who
Read moreDoes a “grateful teenager” seem like an oxymoron to you? It’s actually not as impossible as it might seem. There are many ways that we, as adults, can encourage teens to develop a grateful outlook on life. Talk. Our culture does not promote gratefulness, but instead encourages the idea of “must-haves” to be happy. In today’s world of modern conveniences,
Read moreOur culture does not reward gratefulness, but instead encourages the idea of “must-haves” to be happy. Society pushes our kids to WANT, but true happiness often has its roots in a person’s sense of gratitude for what they already have. Studies consistently show that people who are grateful or thankful are happier, more satisfied, and healthier overall in their lives
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