Teaching kids to be thankful Your son complains that he wants a new pair of tennis shoes even though you bought him a pair last month. At dinner time, your daughter whines because she doesn�t like what you have prepared. Does it seem like your kids never appreciate what you have done for them? Help your kids overcome the habit of grumbling and complaining. Help Out. One of the best ways to become a thankful person is to help those who are less fortunate. As a family, volunteer to serve food at a homeless shelter or visit the elderly in a nursing home. Write It Down.Place a box in an easily accessible location in your house. Encourage your family to write down anything good that happens and place it in the box. Once a month, prepare a special dinner and read all the slips of paper. Return to Newsletter