Education Corner: Being “Thankful”

Thankful adults tend to develop close relationships, express kindness, maintain a positive mindset, recognize their strengths, and find meaning in their environment. As children, they were supported to understand the significance of gratitude, allowing them to become aware of their surroundings and appreciate what they have.

As parents, many of us strive to help our children build strong relationships, show kindness, maintain a positive outlook, and recognize their skills. However, we often overlook one essential step in teaching them to be “thankful.” Developing thankfulness involves cultivating an appreciation for the people, activities, and things around us that we value. One effective way to foster this understanding is by asking children what they are thankful for and why. This simple question encourages self-evaluation and helps them express the positive impact of their experiences.

Focusing on thankfulness requires practice and moments of self-reflection. Many of us find it easy to express our frustrations or unhappiness, often allowing negative emotions to overshadow our enjoyment of life. By nurturing a sense of gratitude, we can combat these feelings and cultivate a more fulfilling emotional landscape.

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Scott Smith has been in education for more than 40 years. Smith currently lives with his wife in Mosier and serves on the Board of Decoding Dyslexia of Oregon.