Gratitude For Kids: Tips for Teaching Children Gratitude

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While we all know that teaching our kids to say thank you is important, did you know there are other ways to instill gratitude in your kids? Gratitude for kids goes beyond the simple manners we teach our kids, it’s almost like instilling a mindset. Today I’m sharing some tips for teaching children gratitude so they can live with a heart of happiness every day.

Name Your Blessings

While having your nightly family meal together share something that you’re grateful for. This “game” is a fun way to share your blessings from the day. This will also encourage your family to discuss their day in a positive light during your family mealtime. My kids know that every night before I go to bed I write down 10 things I’m thankful for in my gratitude journal. If they don’t see me writing, they often ask if I remembered to write down what I’m thankful for.

Use a Gratitude Journal

My kids know that every night before I go to bed I write down 10 things I’m thankful for in my gratitude journal. If they don’t see me writing, they often ask if I remembered to write down what I’m thankful for. By modeling gratitude, I’m teaching them that there is always something (or a lot of somethings) to be grateful for.

Be a Grateful Parent

Always remember to express gratitude for a job well done and for that help your children give you. Let your children know that you appreciate their help and hard work. This is a great way to help your kids learn how gratitude makes another person feel.

Don’t Get Materialistic

Kids who learn to be grateful tend to have less “stuff”. While children do benefit from having toys or a favorite desired item, it’s not necessary to overload your children with too many materialistic items. Try to encourage an appreciation for quality time over materialistic items.

Work for Something

Whenever your children express a desire for something they want, have them pitch in to work for it. While they may not be old enough to get a job, they can do chores around the home to “pay” for something they really want.

Handwrite Thank You Notes

While thank you notes may seem like a thing from the past, they’re still a very valuable part of instilling gratitude in children. Each time someone does something kind or gives a gift to your children or family, sit down to write thank you notes that you can mail to the giver. These free printable thank you notes are perfect for helping your kids learn to write thank-you notes.

Encouraging Volunteering

Find ways that you can volunteer and give back to your community all year round. This is an activity you can do together as a family and will help instill gratitude in your children through example. Not only will they see you helping others but they’ll learn the value of volunteering in the community.

These are just some simple ways you can work to instill gratitude in your children without much effort. I’m sure many of these ideas shared today will come naturally to you. Using these tips to instill gratitude in children will help you raise little humans who have a deep appreciation for others and the world they live in.