How to use media to teach your kid gratitude

Our culture is saturated with come-ons to buy, buy, buy: smartphones, in-app purchases, pricey laptops, and advertising that targets kids at every turn.

No wonder many parents fret over how to teach kids gratitude. But gratitude actually has nothing to do with the amount of stuff you have or don’t have.

You can use media to teach kids gratitude by expressing appreciation for what you have, letting kids earn the devices and features that they want, using online tools to help others, and resisting a culture based on consumerism.

Try these ideas:

Movies, TV and books

Check books out of the library, join a book-exchange group, and visit or build a neighbourhood Little Free Library.

Read the acknowledgment section in books and discuss whom the author thanked and why.

Seek out movies and TV shows that inspire gratitude. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” are fun, family-friendly movie picks.

Some TV shows that can inspire kids to be grateful include “Arthur,” “Stuck in the Middle,” “Family Matters” and “Gilmore Girls.”

Social media, apps, games and websites

Encourage kids to send thank-you notes by using online cards or via email (they can add pictures and video).

Find websites that help kids give back, like Habitat for Humanity, Free Rice, Curating Change, Volunteer Match, and DoSomething.org.

Join Club Penguin’s Coins for Change program during the holidays.

Instead of automatically upgrading your kids’ devices, have them earn what they want.

Create a culture of appreciation at home by regularly discussing what you’re thankful for.