Children's Mercy

A Little Gratitude, Please To raise thankful children, be an appreciative parent. Y ou may long to hear "thank you" more often from your little ones, and with good reason. Research shows grateful people are happier and healthier than those who never stop to reflect about how fortunate they are. How can you ensure your child shares this quality? The best way to cultivate gratitude in your children is to lead by example. "Gratitude is a way of life—a family attitude," says David Bennett, PhD, clinical psychologist at Children's Mercy and Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at the UMKC School of Medicine. "If parents model gratitude by thanking the people around them and appreciating what they have, their children are likely to reflect those behaviors. Thank your children without qualifying the sentiment—for example, say, 'I appreciate the way you helped me clean the dishes,' but resist the urge to add, 'But why don't you do it every night?'" Start practicing gratitude and asking your children what they're thankful for as early as age 3 or 4. To expand on a Thanksgiving tradition, set aside a few minutes each day to discuss what you and your children appreciate most. Your little ones might just learn that giving thanks shouldn't be confined to a single day in November. To further foster gratitude, Dr. Bennett recommends keeping a "thankfulness log." Each day for two weeks, ask your children to write down a different thing for which they're thankful. Over the River and Through the Woods… …is only half the battle. Whether it's grandma's or another relative's home, here's how to make overnight stays a success. If you and your child are staying with relatives who don't have children, their house may not be adequately childproofed. Here are a few common concerns parents should check: p Are cleaning products, medications p Is top-heavy furniture securely and firearms locked away? fastened to the wall? p Are smoke and carbon monoxide p Are staircases gated? detectors working? p Are electrical outlets covered? WHAT TO PACK For babies and toddlers, bring along more than a daily supply of essentials, such as diapers and wipes, bottled milk or formula, a pacifier, and medicines. Pack clothes for a wide variety of activities and include backup outfits for any unforeseen messes. Does your child have a favorite soothing "blanky" or toy? Don't forget it! Consider bringing a car seat, portable crib, high chair or stroller, as well. If your child is staying at a house without kids, you may want to also pack age-appropriate entertainment, including books, games or movies. "If hosts will be watching your child, make sure they have a list of local contact numbers in case of an emergency," says Denise Dowd, MD, MPH, PEM, emergency medicine physician and Director of Research for the Division of Emergency and Urgent Care at Children's Mercy and Professor of Pediatrics at UMKC School of Medicine. "The list should also include your child's medical issues, medication schedules and allergies, with instructions about how to handle any potential problems." For a full childproofing checklist, visit www.childrensmercy.org/childhoodsafety. 2 Safe & Sound Fall 2013

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