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.
I remember how much a smile and a “thanks” from my mother meant to me. It feels good to make your parents proud and happy!
Yes, I think talking about blessings with them is a great way to draw their attention to them! It’s also a good way to set an example of gratitude for them.
Heather recently posted..Our Family Trip to Moon Palace in Cancun Mexico
As a parent, setting the example is always a good thing. I think volunteering is always a good thing
I really love the gratitude journal idea. I think I need to implement this with my 3 kiddos.
I think it’s important to teach this to kids. I love the idea of a gratitude journal too. I need to get one of those.
This is so important to teach our kids in a society that is very entitled. I love your ideas.
My grandma always was particular about thank you cards. I never understood why, but I really want my kids to write them!
Love these tips! I think it is really important to teach kids how to be grateful.