Culture.  It might be defined as the environment that we find ourselves in OR the one we create in our homes, workplace, or other organizations or groups that we are involved in.  A recent speaker at the Lifeskills Camp I attended this week, Jason Barger, talked about how “9 out of 10 employees would take a paycut to have a job with more meaning” and how many organizations that prioritize workforce engagement report a higher level of productivity and loyalty which results in lower staff turnover.  It’s evident to many that the current workforce is changing in priorities, and he encouraged the youth in attendance to become “ambassadors of your own culture”.  

One of the qualities of a pleasant culture is one where gratitude is constantly present.  Have you ever thought about how we teach or model gratitude?  As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, why not embrace a culture of gratefulness, here are a few ways to work with the children and/or youth in our lives to help instill an attitude of gratitude:

Say "Thank you." When "thank you’s" are instilled in our vocabulary at home a lifelong practice begins, even if it doesn't stick at first. You can gently restate a sentence with polite language inserted or suggest saying "Thank you" together.

Live it. Set an example and show appreciation by conveying you paid attention to real effort: "Your room looks so nice with the toys in their bins. I'm so happy that you remembered to put them away!" or “I appreciate that you put gas in the car to replace what you used, thank you for being thoughtful”.

Teach through role play. If your little one is too shy to say "thank you" in a social setting, they can pretend to teach their stuffed animals or dolls to do so, while you play along.

Ask a regular question, "What are you most thankful for today?" it can serve as a comforting routine at bedtime, while traveling to events, or a highlight of a weekly dinner ritual.

Books are a great way to reinforce the concept of giving and sharing. Examples such as “The Giving Tree”, “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?”, and “Mama Panya's Pancakes” offer simple, powerful metaphors of positive virtues.

Set expectations when shopping. What’s on the list?  When we engage them in the process we can keep the focus on the “needs” and less on the “wants”. Those words need definition and reminders as we approach the holidays both in a gift-giving sense and as they apply to additional expenses like groceries, travel, and decorations.  Before going into the store set the expectations: “We are here to purchase the items on the list” or “today is just a looking day, not a buying day”.  Soon they will learn to ask, “Is this a looking day or a buying day?”

If you are looking for a new tradition, consider a gratitude gift list. Alongside a holiday or birthday gift wish list, have family members list something they are grateful for. These are the "priceless" gifts. By generating the list in a beautiful way, you demonstrate how valuable the alternate list is; it can be a keepsake for years to come.

Let’s not forget to thank those who serve. Your example of acknowledging those who quietly make a difference in your life, from the bus driver to the person sweeping up in a restaurant, sends a powerful message to your children.

During this season of Thanksgiving, above all, be patient. Kids and family members can't be cajoled into showing appreciation, but your gentle efforts and examples will instill gratitude as a way of life. Ultimately, we are not only creating a culture within our families but making a significant contribution to our future communities and workforce. 

 

Melinda Hill is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or hill.14@osu.edu
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This article was previously published in The Daily Record.