5 simple gratitude practices for kids
What's the story
Teaching gratitude to children is one of the best ways to help them develop empathy and resilience. Simple daily practices can instill a sense of appreciation in them, making them happier and more mindful. Here are five easy ways to make gratitude a part of your child's life, each of which can be easily incorporated into their daily routine.
Tip 1
Start a gratitude journal
Encouraging kids to maintain a gratitude journal can be a great way to get them to reflect on the positive things in their lives. Ask them to write three things they are thankful for every day. This practice promotes mindfulness and helps them focus on the good, even when times are tough. It also improves their writing skills and helps them organize their thoughts.
Tip 2
Create a gratitude jar
A gratitude jar is a fun, interactive way to practice thankfulness. Get your child a jar and colorful paper strips. Ask them to write down things they are grateful for on the strips and put them in the jar. Over time, they can read these notes and see how much positivity is there in their lives.
Tip 3
Practice mindful breathing
Mindful breathing exercises also help cultivate gratitude by centering children in the present moment. Teach your child simple breathing techniques, like inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth. This practice reduces stress and encourages appreciation for the present moment.
Tip 4
Share daily highlights at dinner
Make it a point to share daily highlights during family dinners or at bedtime conversations. Encourage each family member, including children, to share one positive thing that happened during the day. This practice fosters open communication within families and reinforces the importance of recognizing everyday blessings.
Tip 5
Write thank-you notes together
Writing thank-you notes together is a great way to teach children about expressing gratitude toward others. Get them involved in writing notes for friends or family members who have done something nice for them, or even just because! This activity teaches children about acknowledging kindnesses received from others while also improving their writing skills.