Teaching Gratitude

Gratitude can be a tough concept for young kids to comprehend but demonstrating kindness and thankfulness goes a long way. We can inspire kids to be more kindhearted, empathetic adults who understand the impact of showing and sharing appreciation by teaching about gratitude at home

What is gratitude?

Gratitude is an emotion you can express when feeling thankful for something. Spend time going through your child's experiences to help find past examples of gratitude. Conversations like these make a huge difference.

Model gratitude practices.

Kids learn so much from just observing our actions. It's much more difficult for kids to understand the concept of gratitude if it’s not practiced every day. Try to pause and express the way you’re feeling out loud. You could say something like, "I'm so grateful I get to play outside with you. I love these moments." Expressing your feelings will boost their own self-awareness.

Praise for understanding.

After discussing gratitude, compliment your child when you hear them being kind and thanking others. There is a perfect opportunity to encourage gratitude during holidays and birthdays. Older kids enjoy sharing this feeling through a craft activity. Sit down together to make thank you cards for everyone who got them gifts and didn't. Depending on their age, have your kiddo make a picture and practice some writing.

Reflecting

Before bed each night, make it a habit to reflect on the day and share moments you enjoyed. This is a great way to connect with your kiddo on the topic and can end the day on a positive note together.

Gratitude Activities

• A gratitude board. While discussing gratitude and being thankful, create a mood board to show things they are grateful for. Add pictures from magazines, photo albums, or drawn images.
  

• Practice serving others. Teach your kiddo the importance of volunteering in the community. Volunteer at an animal shelter, donate to a food bank, or bake fresh cookies for first responders.
  

• Create a gratitude jar. Get a mason jar or container. It can be plain or personalized with a ribbon or stickers. Write down one thing you are thankful for on a piece of paper either in a full sentence or word. Add the paper to your gratitude jar. Each month get together to read the notes and the importance of gratitude.
  

• Gratitude walks. A walk can release endorphins. Take a family walk around the neighborhood. Talk about your favorite activities together, what has happened during the day, or future plans coming up. Find what they can be thankful for and make it a point to mention it.

Give these activities a try and see what works best. You will help them become healthier, happier, and more respectful adults by teaching gratitude now.