It has been a while since this Coronavirus invaded our lives, and it has taken quite a toll on all of us. Some of us have lost loved ones, others of us have either faced this virus or have had loved ones face it, and everyone worldwide has had their life interrupted and thrown off course. The crisis has affected us physically, financially, socially and emotionally, and children have not been exempt from its fallout, despite parents and educators attempts to shield them and maintain some sense of normalcy. Now more than ever we need to focus on helping to meet kids’ social and emotional needs, because as I have mentioned before, they are not born knowing how to process and deal with emotions. It is up to us to teach them and model how it’s done.
Gratitude is one of the best-known ways to shift our thoughts from lack, sadness, negativity or self-pity. It has such a profound effect on people’s physical and psychological wellbeing, and helps them better deal with adversity. So how can we use gratitude in a way that can be helpful to young children? Well, I came up with a simple idea that I’d like to share with you today that doesn’t require a lot of time and effort. It’s called the “I Spy Gratitude Game.” Every day, those who play are on the lookout for things to be grateful for and share them with others as they come across them by saying, “I spy something to be grateful for. I am grateful for…(fill in the blank.)” It could be something like a sunny day, a friend’s phone call, a good meal, a hug from a family member, finishing a project, or a fun moment. Kids can also keep track of what they noticed during the day in a little notebook by writing it down. Younger kids can just draw a picture of something they are grateful for. At the end of the day, everyone can share some or all of their “G (gratitude)” moments with family members at dinner or before bedtime. This is a great way to teach kids to look for and appreciate the many blessings that they do have, and perhaps even inspire them to do something to bless somebody else.
Wishing you good health and many wonderful days filled with “G” moments.
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