By Ms. Frances Acin

Positive psychologist, Martin Seligman, has found that people are happiest when using their strengths. According to research, grateful students are happier and more content with their lives, family, friends, and selves. How can we help our children to cultivate gratitude from within and not impose it? There are a few unique ways to help our children develop an appreciation for their strengths by giving our children the opportunity to learn about their unique combination of strengths and reflect on applying them in their lives. 

Start by identifying your child’s strengths by completing a character strengths survey at this link: https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register#youth. The survey will identify a child’s top strengths, which can be used to help them flourish. Recognizing and using our strengths is important because research has revealed that people who use their strengths are 18x more likely to be happy and healthy than those who do not use their strengths. In addition, recognizing strengths can be used for self-awareness, self-management, goal setting, and communication. Gratitude comes in many forms; why not start with being grateful for our strengths! 

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” - Robert Brault