How to Teach Gratitude to Your Children

What is gratitude?

It’s defined as a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation. It can greatly contribute to a mindset of contentment and a life filled with kindness towards others.

You definitely want to teach gratitude to your children or grandchildren. Follow these steps to set them on a path of gratefulness.

Why is Gratitude Important?

• Improves satisfaction with life
• Leads to a happier disposition (for you and others!)
• Reduces jealousy
• Less anxiety
• More enthusiastic
• More empathetic
• Better sleep quality
• Increased compassion for others

Make a List of All You’re Thankful For

It’s a classic, but making a list of what you’re thankful for is a tried and true way to count your blessings. For kids, try printing or cutting out leaves from construction paper and have them write or draw a picture of something they are thankful for. Try making this adorable Thankful Tree.

Older kids can create a gratitude journal in a notebook or by typing up a list. Adults can start a list in the Notes app on their phones to review occasionally and remember all the good things in their life.

Understand What Others Face

Children may not realize that some people face significant hardships in life. They naturally think that every child lives like them. Pay attention to those around you when you’re driving around town. Point out smaller homes or run-down apartments, or any homeless you may encounter.

Help them understand many people worry about food, clothing, shelter, and everyday needs like school supplies. Nevermind toys and the latest electronics!

Without mentioning names, talk about children in difficult situations locally and around the world. You can show them online photos of children in poorer nations, who have threadbare clothes and no closets full of toys. Your kids probably don’t even realize how lucky they are.

Find some good books on teaching gratitude in this article.

Practice Acts of Kindness

To instill an attitude of gratitude, teach your children to help others. Younger kids can assist siblings with schoolwork or picking up toys, while older kids can help neighbors with light yardwork or bringing in a garage can. Children of any age can help draw or color a card to mail to someone who needs it.

Periodically, have kids go through their toys and books to donate to a shelter or charity. They can also sell items at a garage sale or lemonade stand raise money to give to kids in need.

If your family prays, have your kids remember others from an early age. Memorized prayers are cute, but even little ones can pray for the elderly or those who are sick.

Always Say Thank You

It’s important to say thank you often and sincerely. Children should freely say, “Thank you,” and even say why they are thankful.

If someone gives them a gift, it’s good for them to say, “Thank you, I love this because it’s my favorite color” or “I’ve wanted a new set of markers,” rather than a simple “Thanks.”

Although it’s falling by the wayside, writing Thank You notes is also a great way to teach kids gratitude. Have them say why they are thankful, or at least draw a photo of their fun new toy!

Create a Habit of Gratitude

Remember that list of things you’re thankful for? Pull it out now and then to instill a consistent attitude of gratitude. Kids should always say thank you when appropriate and remember that they are very fortunate.

And remind them to be grateful even in difficult times. For instance, if they are sad because it rained on their birthday, say, “But it was so special that eight of your friends came to celebrate with you. How lucky you are to have such good friends.”

If they complain about getting second place in the class field day race, say, “I’m proud of you for how hard you worked. Aren’t you thankful to have a strong body that can do such a good job running?”

Keep It Up

Thankfulness is not just for November. Encourage your kids to express gratitude verbally all year long. Keep volunteering and considering others in need.

A great way to teach kids the value of things is to give them chores to do. Hard work teaches responsibility and that many things in life require effort. Then they won’t be so cavalier about spending money, because they know everything has a cost.

Lastly, parents and grandparents should role model an attitude of gratefulness and thankfulness. Don’t complain about all you don’t have-remember the things you do. And lead children in opportunities to pray and care for others.

A life focused on gratitude for what we have and giving to others will bring more satisfaction and happiness than an attitude of complaining and negativity. Help your children to understand this now so that they will experience more years of thankfulness.

Do you have any tips for teaching gratitude to kids? Please share it with us below!

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