Teaching Your Children to Enjoy the Little Things

Appreciating the little things in life can bring more than happiness; it can also breed contentment, serenity, peace and harmony. However, this concept is something that is learned over time; the earlier it is learned, the better off the person will be. Parents and teachers can begin teaching this appreciation to children no matter how young the child may be. Some may wonder what the little things in life are or may not know how to teach these truths to children. The following are just a few of the potential multitude of ideas on this subject.

What Are the Little Things in Life?

There are numerous things in life that are good but that can be easily missed in the midst of people’s hectic schedules. What these exact things may be can vary among cultures, lifestyles and even families. However, these are a few of the most basic.

Playing tag at the corn maze

* Appreciating friends and family is something that can be easily overlooked since these people seem to be always around. Sadly, friends and family can go unnoticed until something takes them away. Learning to appreciate these people will create a special sense of love and compassion for sisters and brothers, grandparents, godparents and others.
* Nature is something that is around everyone every single day; therefore, it is easy to miss. However, seeing a sunset, smelling the rain or fresh-mown grass and hearing the chirp of birds are things that not everyone can enjoy. The blind or the deaf miss these brilliant opportunities and so learn to value every bit of nature in which they can partake.
* Random acts of kindness by strangers or acquaintances happen all the time. It could be the holding of a door, the unexpected offer of a piece of candy or unexpected help reaching something on a grocery store shelf. Paying attention to these small gestures will increase one’s appreciation for those around him.
* Simple toys and games are so little appreciated in today’s culture of busyness and noise. However, making up games, playing with cars, and playing tag are all cause for a remembrance of what is truly enjoyable.
* Traditional character qualities such as honesty and sincerity are sometimes missed in home and work life. However, truthfulness and a genuine personality remain as desirable as they always have been.

How Can Children Be Taught to Appreciate the Little Things?

* Going outside during the various seasons will teach an appreciation for the patterns in nature and for the variety of colors and textures that can be found outdoors. Going to a park, taking a walk down a wooded path or even spending time in the backyard can all be great ways to accomplish this.
* Making something special for a neighbor or friend shows a child that other people hold great importance in life and should never be forgotten even if the gesture is never returned. The child will learn compassion and thoughtfulness.
* Writing a personal note to a family member or friend not only breeds good etiquette but also reminds the child of the important people who contribute so much to his life. He can write a thank you or a simple greeting. Children who are too young to write or dislike doing so can send a picture that they have colored, which will be just as meaningful.
* Teaching character traits to create a strong and happy child is something that can be done throughout each day. Learning to tell the truth will breed honesty, sharing toys will teach generosity and greeting a neighbor shows great thoughtfulness.

This is just a brief list of some small ways that children can learn to appreciate the little things in life. However, these methods will change in the day-to-day workings of one’s family and are based on personal circumstances. There are hundreds of little yet important things that happen each day; parents and teachers should make the most of all of them by using them as learning opportunities for children.

Author Bio

Beck Harris writes for U-Pack portable storage for families of all sizes that work on keeping it green!