Parent Tip: "Thank you, Coach"
Contributed by Carrie Spender
At the end of every practice, my daughters huddle up with their team and start their clap happy, roaring team cheer. Then, a stampede of athletes head to their lockers to retrieve shoes, coats and backpacks. But the part of the “end of practice routine” that I love the most is the sweet gesture that each athlete leaves the gym giving earnest thanks to their coaches...“Thank you, Coach Kelle. Thank you, Coach Sierra”. And, that each time, the coaches respond with kindness and gratitude as well.
2017-11-10
Contributed by Carrie Spender
At the end of every practice, my daughters huddle up with their team and start their clap happy, roaring team cheer. Then, a stampede of athletes head to their lockers to retrieve shoes, coats and backpacks. But the part of the “end of practice routine” that I love the most is the sweet gesture that each athlete leaves the gym giving earnest thanks to their coaches...“Thank you, Coach Kelle. Thank you, Coach Sierra”. And, that each time, the coaches respond with kindness and gratitude as well.
When coaches instill a practice of good manners from their athletes, (on top of all the other great skills learned in the gym), our kiddos learn the benefits of gratitude, kindness, and positive social relationships from caring adults and team members. As we know, it takes a village.
At home, families have daily opportunities for teaching gratitude to kids as well. Author and “Happiness Coach”, Andrea Reiser explains in her article, 11 Tips for Instilling True Gratitude in Your Kids both the WAYS to teach gratitude, and, WHY.
In her article, Andrea reports how studies show that gratitude can cause individuals to live happier, more satisfied lives and enjoy increased levels of self-esteem, hope, empathy and optimism. Gratitude allows opportunity for perspective as one learns to appreciate the various opportunities and privileges they enjoy.
Andrea offers 11 tips for instilling true gratitude in your home:
- Name your blessings. Have a moment of thanks each day when everyone shares something they’re thankful for. Whether the list includes a favorite toy, a particularly good piano lesson or a birthday card from Nana, this daily tradition can help develop a positive frame of mind. Older kids might even prefer to keep a gratitude journal and write down a few things they were thankful for each day before going to bed.
Sometimes when my kids have been particularly blue or negative, I’ve had them send me a nightly email with three things they’re grateful for. It’s been a successful solution every time, and realizing the good in their lives results in a quick and significant shift of attitude.
- Be a grateful parent. What an invaluable exercise it is to tell our kids why we’re grateful to have them! It goes without saying that we love our kids, and that we’re thankful beyond words for their love, their smiles, their hugs and so much more. When we tell them what makes them special to us, their self-esteem is boosted for the right reasons (not because they have the latest smartphone or because they’re dressed fashionably). Plus, our example shows them that gratitude extends well beyond material things.
- ….To read 9 more terrific tips, see the full articlehere. There have been many instances in our gymnastics-filled world where I have witnessed acts of encouraging gratitude in athletes. I have to say, I beam with pride when a meet director reminds athletes to thank their parents. I know it’s a small gesture, but it definitely warms my heart. And, as we head into the season of giving thanks, and giving gifts, I hope you and your family have a loving and blessed holiday season!