It’s true that when we feel happy, it may lead us to feeling thankful. But, it’s equally true we don’t have to wait till we feel happy in order to feel grateful. Gratitude itself leads to deeper feelings of happiness. Many studies have shown that it not only makes us happier, but also can improve our health, lead to stronger self-esteem, and may even result in getting a better night’s sleep!

But gratitude has to be learned and young children especially (and naturally) think of themselves first. The good news is that gratitude is easily taught. Don’t forget that you are your child’s best example. Here are some easy strategies that can help teach your family and yourself more thankfulness/gratitude!

Frame the day: Make it a habit for the whole family to have “gratitude moments”—specific times during the day when you each slow down and think about what makes you feel thankful. Gratitude is a muscle, and it needs exercise to make it grow strong!

Enlist your child’s help: Kids who are invited to help out with family chores soon learn that doing things takes effort–and they will begin to appreciate the efforts of others. Even if they aren’t able to do much at first, the helping habit can be started when they are small.

Model ways to show gratitude: Make sure your child sees and hears you showing your appreciation of others. Thank the servers in the restaurant you visit together; the crossing guard who helps you both cross the street; the plumber who unclogs your bathtub etc. It’s not only good manners you’re demonstrating; it shows your’ child that you are noticing, respecting, and appreciating the efforts of others. And especially make sure that you express gratitude for your child’s efforts—i.e., for setting the table or putting away their toys without being asked.

Make a “Thankful Jar”: Invite your child to decorate a big jar with markers, stickers, glitter, and so on. Put the thank you jar in a place of honor in your house. Each day, encourage family members to write down or draw a picture of something or someone they are thankful for and put the slip of paper in the jar. When the jar is full, make a ceremony out of pulling out the slips one by one and sharing them aloud.

Make a gratitude collage to hang on the wall: The whole family can contribute and put it in a place where everyone will see it and be reminded of all the things they are thankful for! Or encourage your child to keep a gratitude journal, with hand-drawn pictures or cut outs from magazines.

Thank you notes: It’s never too early to get your child into the “thank you note” habit. They can dictate the words to you if they are too young to write or email; or they can draw pictures. It’s so important to model acknowledging the gifts and kindnesses of others.

Time Outside: When a day gets hard, try a change of scenery! A walk outside is full of gifts for all the senses: the blue sky, the sweet scent of flowers, the sound of chirping birds, a friendly neighbor, even a favorite kind of car coming down the road. All of these little things are great reminders of what we have to be thankful for!

What are some ways that you and your family practice thankfulness/gratitude? Dm us on Instagram; we would love to hear about it!

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