It sounds cliché, but doing good for others really does help you. There are a number of studies showing emotional and scholastic benefits for children who volunteer, but central to the gratitude discussion is a child’s recognition through volunteering not just of her own fortune, but of the hard work other people do. (Remember that cost element from Tip No. 3.) Work at a soup kitchen, and you start appreciating the food you have at home. Volunteer at an animal shelter, and you appreciate all the people at your vet’s office who have the job of cleaning up after the dogs and cats. Remember that the emphasis here is not on what your child is doing for other people, but what the volunteer experience is doing for her.
Joe Kohen/AP
