When we are thankful for what we have instead of complaining about what we have we are teaching an attitude of gratitude. If I have an old car and all I do is complain about the car what are my children going to do? They are going to follow by example. However if I am constantly praising my old car and appreciating the fact that it is still running and I don’t have a great big car payment my children will learn to appreciate what they have. Peer pressure makes this a little more of a problem today, but if you talk about appreciation your children will get the message, especially if it is used on a daily basis.

When children see how much they have and you sit down at the dinner table or breakfast and talk about the things that you appreciate your children will do the same. When you are, reading National Geographic or other worldly books talk to your children about how others live. Show them the examples of how others may not have toys, clothing or shelter. You won’t instill appreciation if you nag at them and tell them people in China are starving. It takes time and patience.

At East West Martial Arts we are challenging our students to help others out this month by getting a group of friends together to donate to our local food bank. Don’t hesitate to leave your comments below.  For more questions about our programs call 410-810-8808 or email web@chestertownkarate.com

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To appreciate our bodies we have to know how to take care of it. Lead by example, your child is going to eat what you prepare for them. When they appreciate their bodies they will think about what they eat. Again this all starts with you when you explain the difference between eating a candy bar and an apple your child will learn to appreciate what it takes to eat healthy.

Involve your child in the meals and let them make choices. Before you go shopping, go through the recipe book and find an easy recipe that your child can help cook. When you are going through the recipes, you can talk with them about how nutritious the recipe is and compare it with other recipes. Make your list and take them shopping with you. By taking your child shopping and explaining nutrition you help them learn to appreciate their bodies, and make better choices. Even though it is easier to do the shopping without the kids let them be a part of it. Let them make choices and explain what healthy choices are and why.

Depending on their age they will take pride in being a part of the shopping instead of dragging their heels behind you. By teaching them to appreciate healthy choices they will be more responsible in what they put in their mouth.

This month at East West Martial Arts students are talking about how they can show appreciation towards their bodies by making healthy food choices. For more information call 410-810-8808 or email web@chestertownkarate.com

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Who says you have to buy all the things that the child next door has! How are we going to teach children to appreciate anything if it is just given to them. Besides how are you going to keep from breaking the bank if you purchase everything your child wants. It’s unrealistic not only is it unrealistic you are not teaching your child how to become a responsible adult. If you are giving your child, an allowance and they want an item that is pretty pricey, let them pay for it or at least part of it. By letting your child spend their money, they will think harder about whether this is something they want. He may decide “this is not something I really want I would rather get this instead” since he is spending his own money he will think twice about buying things on a whim. You also know they will take better care of the item since they had to spend their money to get it rather than you buying if for them.

Another way to foster appreciation is by having them save a portion of their own money to give to a charity. This will help a child see that they are more fortunate than others and appreciate what they have.  It allows children to think about others less fortunate.

At East West Martial Arts, we are going to challenge our students to take a portion of their allowance and put it towards a charity for more information call 410-810-8808 or email ewma@chestertownkarate.com.

Teaching children to appreciate what they have starts with you.

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Being greatful for the things our children shower upon us encourages them to be appreciative. Setting good examples for your children when you receive gifts even if they are not what you want, helps children appreciate what they have. We have all received those precious gifts from our children. I remember when I was sitting under a tree my oldest son brought me a snake as a gift. Thank goodness I like snakes and did not mind receiving a snake for a gift. It’s the simple things that our children pick up and learn. He understood that I appreciated the gift ,but snakes belong in nature. Most of the time I showed appreciation for the things that my children brought me, or drew for me (still have most of them). One day, my youngest son, came running in the house yelling at the top of his voice “look what I have for you mommy”. I woke up from my nap, and Riley gave me a handful of maggots, needless to say, I did not use my appreciation that day. Riley was only 3 at the time, and did not understand why I was so upset.
When your child receives a gift teach them to say thank you. Praise him/her for their behavior and how grown up they are. Many times when we try to correct young children or preach at them at any age, it doesn’t work. Help them to write a thank you note and that it was really nice of Aunt Hilda to send them something. They won’t understand at first why they should be appreciative, it takes time and lots of patience.

This week at East West Martial Arts students will focus on showing appreciation for what they have. What did someone give you recently that you appreciate? Did you send them a thank you note? How did you show appreciation for something that you did not like or want? For more information about our Martial Arts Character Program call 410-810-8808.

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