Gratitude is a skill. An attitude of gratitude is a positive way of looking at life. In other words, it increases our children’s happiness, teaches them to be more empathetic, and helps them be thankful for everything they have. So how do we teach children such an abstract skill? First, start by trying this list of ideas today.
15 ways to express gratitude.
- Say please and thank you. Our manners show that we don’t believe we’re entitled to anything. In fact, it shows that we appreciate whatever comes our way.
- Help someone less fortunate. Consider a neighbor, family member or friend who is in a tough spot. Likewise, consider giving to a nonprofit. They’re always looking for basic necessities, meals and gifts for those in need.
- Volunteer. Practice giving back by helping out at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or nonprofit.
- Send out thank you cards. Make it a habit to express gratitude for gifts from those who add value to your life.
- Look for awe-inspiring moments in your day. For example, if the sunset is particularly beautiful, comment on it. If the sound of a baby’s laughter warms your heart, tell your children. After that, encourage them to look for awe-inspiring moments and share them with you.
- Share your gratitude at bedtime. Take five minutes at the end of the day to ask your child what they’re thankful for that day. In addition, as your child gets better at expressing gratitude, dig deeper. Ask why they’re grateful for something and how it affected their day.
- Share your gratitude at the dinner table. Take a moment at dinnertime to share why you’re thankful. For instance, go around the table allowing each family member a chance to vocalize the high point of their day.
- Compliment others. Share the things you appreciate about another person and encourage your children to do the same.
- Keep a gratitude journal. This can be in any form that works best for your child’s age, skill level, and desire. For example, some will want to spend time writing their thoughts down. Whereas others may be more apt to express gratitude through drawing or painting.
- Give someone a gift. Make a gift together. This can be something as simple as a painting for a grandparent or a beaded necklace for a friend.
- Always look for the positive. Find something positive in a frustrating situation and discuss it.
- Practice turning complaints into praises. Coach your children to reword their complaints into something that they appreciate instead.
- Create a gratitude jar. First, write small notes of gratitude and add them to a jar. Then, watch it fill up! Encourage your kids to add to it anytime they’re feeling thankful for something or someone.
- Take gratitude walks. While you walk, look for the simple pleasures of the day, such as the warm sun or birds singing, and express appreciation for them. Use this time to ask your kids why they’re grateful.
- Work through envy. Envy comes from being focused on what others have. Instead, help your child work through feelings of jealousy.
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