You've taken great pains to make sure your children are polite and say thank you, but have you taught them how to be thankful? 

A study conducted by Psychologists Robert A. Emmons and Michael E. McCullough revealed that than when compared to those who focused on  the negative aspects of life, people who received "daily gratitude intervention"  tended to be more alert, enthusiastic and optimistic. Grateful people also reported fewer physical ailments and were more willing to help others.

Teaching your children gratitude can be fun and rewarding for the entire family.  Make it a daily ritual. Gather everyone together at the beginning of each day and ask each person to write down what they are grateful for.  You can make this "grateful list" on a chalkboard or simply use a piece of paper that can be put on the refrigerator.  The grateful list will remind everyone that good things are always happening.

Leah Mullen, Author of AGAIN AND AGAIN
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