Teaching child to say “thank you” is one thing – but to teach them how to be grateful is something entirely different.

It goes beyond just basic etiquettes; gratitude is a powerful force in everyone’s life, and produces a positive impact on the mindset of an individual.

For children, this is exceptionally important, because it shapes their perception of life. Since toddlers are so impressionable, it gives parents the perfect opportunity to mold their personalities in an uplifting way; children who are taught how to be gratuitous are more likely to be at peace with themselves in adulthood.

With holiday season coming right up, this is on the minds of every parent! You wouldn’t want your little one to show up to a family gathering, only to be disappointed by their ungrateful behaviour. By no means do we mean to blame children – we just want you parents to be able to teach your children the true spirit of gratitude.

Here are some tips you can follow:

Say “Thank You” – and Mean It

Teaching your child how to say two words is pretty easy – but we want you to take it a step further. When you give them their food, or give them a gift, don’t just tell them to say “thank you” – tell them why they’re saying it: because it’s a good gesture, and that it makes the other person feel happy.

Be polite in your approach, and your toddler will most likely develop the healthy habit. Once they become conditioned to say it in the home, it’ll be easier for them to say it in front of other people, like relatives.

If your child happens to be shy or quiet, you don’t have to abandon ship. Don’t force them to say “thank you”; instead, coerce them gently, or gently suggest saying it together. You can even roleplay by making their toys say it to each other! The more they feel comfortable saying it, the better.

Let Then Name Their Blessings

Your schedule being a parent may be busy, but there should always be enough time to count your blessings. And that’s what we want you to do.

Everyday, take a moment to allow your toddler to be thankful for something. Sit with them, and ask the infamous question: “What are you grateful for?”

Be sure to make them answer themselves! Whether it’s their favorite toy, a birthday card, or a day at the park, establishing such a daily tradition can do wonders. When your child gets in troubling moods, a few moments of remembering moments or things that make them happy helps a lot. And when it becomes a consistent habit, then you’ll automatically note a shift in their character as they grow older.

Don’t Shower Them With Everything

As a parent, it is often an instinct to give you child everything they ask for. That’s where we have to put up a red flag.

Sure, giving your child everything they ever wanted it a great gesture of love, but it has its own consequences. If you cross the line of moderation, whatever gratuitous habit your child may have gets stomped on. They begin to lose sight of the value in possessions, and lose respect altogether.

Now, we’re not saying to give your child only the bare essentials – parents should be careful to gift things in moderation. After all, there are plenty of other ways to show love; reading a book together, some quality playtime in the house, or even baking something together are just to name a few!

Keep An Eye Out For Teachable Moments

It’s not hard to give children lectures about life values, but nothing beats a lesson ascribed to a real-life situation.

Look out for specific interactions your child has with others, and incorporate the importance of being kind and grateful. For example, your child goes out to the park, and their friend helps them up when they accidentally fell. Take the time to tell them how they should thank their friend for helping them, since it was such a helpful gesture.

By linking reality with values, your child will truly understand life lessons, and be more ready to accept them.

Be A Good Role Model

This goes without saying, but you can’t expect your children to be grateful if you aren’t!

Children’s first ever teacher in life happens to be their parents, so you should make the most of this responsibility. Say “thank you” often, and be genuine about it; always be kind to others, so that your child knows how to adopt the same nature. And most of all, see the silver lining in everything. Once you see the positives even in the negatives, your child will also learn how to be thankful even in difficult situations.


Oakfield Early Learning Centre – a renowned nursery in Jumeirah – highly values gratuitous behaviour in children. With children from different nations, Oakfield considers it a duty to teach students how to be thankful through character-building group activities, summer camps and more.

In the end, gratitude is what your toddler needs to become more positive, and more peaceful.