Caring for Kids is a monthly article series by early childhood education experts in Child and Family Care and Children’s Centers.
Gratitude is a cornerstone of positive human interaction and personal well-being. It involves recognizing and appreciating the good in our lives and in others. As Christine Snyder, Director of Child and Family Care, wisely stated, "Modeling gratitude can be the best way to help children internalize the manner, habit, and sincerity of expressing appreciation."
Creating an environment rich with gratitude can significantly shape a child's outlook and interactions. Here are five practical tips to instill gratitude in children at various developmental stages.
1. Start with Simple 'Thank You' Rituals
For toddlers and preschoolers, the concept of gratitude begins with the simple act of saying "thank you." At this stage, children mimic the behavior they observe. Being consistent in expressing gratitude in daily interactions is essential.
Try this: Incorporate 'thank you' rituals into everyday routines. When a child finishes their meal, express gratitude for their company at the table. When they pick up their toys, thank them for their help. While this seems very simple, over time, these expressions will internalize the value of giving and receiving appreciation.
2. Use Storytelling to Illustrate Gratitude
Young children love stories, making them an effective tool for teaching abstract concepts like gratitude. Choose books and stories where characters show thankfulness to help children understand and visualize what gratitude looks like in various contexts.
Try this: Read books like "Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message" by Chief Jake Swamp or "Bear Says Thanks" by Karma Wilson. Discuss how the characters express gratitude and encourage children to share whom they are thankful for and why.
3. Create a Gratitude Jar
As children enter school age, they begin to comprehend more complex ideas. A gratitude jar can be a fun, tangible way to help them reflect on the positives in their lives.
Try this: Encourage everyone in your family to write something they are thankful for each day and place it in a jar or box. At the end of the week, sit together as a family and read the notes. This activity reinforces the habit of recognizing and acknowledging goodness regularly.
4. Encourage Acts of Kindness
Pre-teens and teens are at an age where they can understand and perform acts of kindness. Encouraging them to help others can foster a deeper sense of gratitude for what they have and those around them.
Try this: Engage children in community service. Participate in activities like volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbor with chores, or organizing a charity drive. Discuss their experiences and feelings, and highlight how their actions positively impact others.
5. Model and Reflect on Gratitude Daily
At any age, modeling gratitude is the most effective method for teaching children. When children see adults expressing thanks and appreciate the world around them, they learn to do the same.
Try this: Be open about your gratitude. Share moments of thankfulness with your children, whether it's through expressing gratitude for the meal you had together, for a friend who helped with a task, or for the day's experiences. Make it a habit to reflect on these moments daily, perhaps during dinner or bedtime.
By integrating these practical tips into your daily routine, you can nurture a sense of thankfulness in children, helping them to grow into appreciative and empathetic individuals. Remember, the more children witness and experience gratitude, the more they will see it as a natural and essential part of life.
Additional Resources
For more information and tips on infusing gratitude in your parenting, check out these resources:
Early Childhood
- Raising a Thankful Child | NAEYC
- Nurturing Gratitude | ZERO TO THREE
- Fostering gratitude in toddlers and preschoolers - First Things First
- Teaching Children Good Manners & Behaviors | Bright Horizons
- 10 Tips for Raising Grateful Kids - Child Mind Institute
