Happier Kids
Nov 23 2011
It is the time of year where we are reminded to show thanks. It is sad though that we have to have an annual reminder for this. But the message of this holiday is becoming even more diluted with so many stores now opening on Thanksgiving Day for their super sales.
With doors opening at 6:00 p.m. there’s not much time to relax and enjoy the holiday! (“Come on kid, be thankful for something, I’ve got to get in line at Target! Bill you hit Wal-Mart!”). I expect that in a couple of years, some legislator will introduce a bill to rename this National Sales Day Weekend or something.
This desire to shop, even on a holiday (not that we Americans get many of these), led me to this interesting find about family life.
Let me ask you parents this (you Black Friday shoppers can think about it while you’re waiting in line a few hours for the store doors to open): do you want your kid to have a high GPA, have strong friendships, be less materialistic and envious, and be happy?
Well, it is possible (my dad doesn’t believe this though).
Jeffrey Froh, an assistant professor of psychology at Hofstra University studied students ages 14 to 19 and found that the kids described above were that way when they were, are you sitting down: grateful.
“We know that grateful kids are happier [and] more satisfied with their lives.”
So, grateful kids are smarter, happier, and are more content. Materialistic kids have lower GPAs (I was reluctant to use other terms), have fewer friends, and have more stress about what they don’t have and what others do have (the evil of envy).
Additionally, Dr. Froh found that gratitude was teachable. If we parents want grateful kids, we have to practice it in front of them and show them that materialism isn’t the driving force in life.
And, this coming Thursday is a great day to start: hold firm against the incoming tide of Black Friday materialism; instead, stay at home, be grateful and have happier kids (this plan will also save you money in the long run).
