Poll: Parents think their children should be more grateful
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A new poll from the University of Michigan Heath found that parents who responded said their children are not grateful enough.
The poll found parents believe they are teaching their children words like “please” and “thank you”, but see their actions falling short, CNN reported.
The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health at University of Michigan Health found that four in five parents agreed children are not grateful for what they had. As many as two in five admitted to being embarrassed by their child’s selfish behavior.
The poll included parents of children 4 to 10 years old and did not offer a standardized definition of “gratitude”. Instead, parents had to bring their own interpretation of the word, CNN reported.
The researchers at University of Michigan Health said there are five ways parents say they teach children gratitude:
1. Making “thank you” a regular phrase.
Rather than have the words hold no meaning, parents need to emphasize the meaning of gratitude and why it’s important to say thank you.
2. Talking about gratitude.
Take time to reflect on what family members are grateful for during the day or during meals at the table.
3. Contributing to family chores.
Parents can explain to younger children that everyone in the family has a responsibility to help each other and show how everyone contributes to the household.
4. Volunteering.
Volunteering can be helping family, friends, or strangers. It offers an opportunity to understand and connect with others while building a sense of empathy and kindness.
5. Giving.
Parents may have their child donate clothes or toys to charity. Experts say children shouldn’t be forced to give anything up but should be encouraged to be a part of the decision-making.
Infographic.
