Now more than ever, we need to teach our kids the practice of gratitude. In the last two years, I have gone on a transformational journey with my guide where I discovered how much my life can change just by being grateful every day – even on bad days, sad days, and nothing-extraordinary days. By simply being grateful, I saw life as a blessing more than a challenge that I have to endure. I lived more because I saw life as it is: full of love, full of joy, full of beauty, full of so many people, moments, things to be grateful for.
I am glad I went through that journey because although we are going through a tough time right now, I am able to manage myself better. In moments of anxiety or anger, I have learned to process situations first before I respond. It is not always easy, but I am much better compared to how I was before.
This is why I have started taking my own family on that journey too.
My husband is a frontliner and is not able to be with us. Our kids are often looking for him, sometimes even crying because they want their dad home already. In those moments, I support them by talking about their feelings to assure them that it is okay to have those feelings, but to also eventually let go of things that are out of our control. Then, I ask them to think of things they are grateful for, which turns their whole mood around because WOW, there are so many things to be grateful for despite the situation now.
My fellow parents, gratitude is a gift we can give our children NOW. Let us teach them to be grateful. Be their role model so they are reminded every day to practice it.
And if you want help with getting this simple practice started, you can introduce it through reading. The I Am Happy book teaches children the practice of gratitude in a way they can best relate to and understand. I love that it also encourages them to embrace their Filipino heritage, which, let’s face it, is something that is not something many Filipino children are not exposed to.
The best part? If you purchase a copy of this book, proceeds will go to the students of Cosina Elementary School in Bukidnon, Philippines. <3
Are you ready to take your child on a gratitude transformation? Order a copy today!
The struggle ends where gratitude begins.
Neale Donald Walsh
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