According to a recent survey conducted by researchers from Michigan, a staggering 80% of parents feel that today’s youth are not as thankful as they ought to be. As we enter the season of gratitude, where many gather around tables filled with festive dishes and reflect on the positives in life, it seems that kids are missing the mark in expressing their appreciation.
The study revealed that while parents are instructing their children on the importance of saying “please” and “thank you,” they feel that these verbal cues do not translate into actions that demonstrate genuine gratefulness. Interestingly, nearly all participating parents believe that gratitude can be taught, raising questions about their own approaches.
Around 75% of those surveyed indicated that instilling gratitude in their children is a key priority. The most common methods cited included teaching basic manners and assigning chores. However, only a minority mentioned engaging in charitable acts, such as donating toys or clothing, as a means of teaching gratitude.
Sarah Johnson, a research scientist and co-director of the study, hopes this survey will prompt parents to consider whether they are actively fostering gratitude in their children. She emphasized that discussing gratitude within the family and encouraging acts of kindness and service can be incredibly beneficial. The holiday season presents numerous opportunities for parents to instill these values in their kids.
“It’s never too late to start. Thanksgiving and the whole holiday season is a really easy time to get kids started,” Johnson said. “This is what we call the teachable moment.”
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In summary, a significant number of parents believe that their children are not expressing enough gratitude, despite many believing it can be taught. Encouraging open discussions about thankfulness and engaging in charitable activities can enhance their understanding and appreciation.