Teaching kids gratitude doesn’t necessarily mean formal gratitude activities or constantly having your kid parrot “thank you,” back to you all day long.
Teaching kids gratitude looks like simple every day changes that will follow them into adulthood.
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Teaching Kids Gratitude
Teaching your kids gratitude starts with simple every day changes. Teaching kids gratitude starts with you first.
Stop complaining
Have you ever had your kids say a rude or inappropriate phrase and then quickly realize that you are the person they learned that phrase from? It’s a humbling moment to say the least.
Kids are sponges and no matter what we think, they are watching everything we do as parents. So, the best way to teach a kid anything is to model it. Want them to be grateful? Stop complaining and point out things you are grateful for throughout your day. Be intentional to stop and be grateful for the food on the table, the roof over your head, the nice workers who help you at the store, and the list goes on. There’s plenty to be grateful for if you are looking for it.
Stop getting them everything they ask for
While it is definitely fun to watch your kids’ eyes light up when you buy them a new toy or a yummy treat, doing so too often can make the come to expect those toys and treats.
I’m not saying stop buying those fun things completely. It just means that you need to intentionally say no on occasion.
A good alternative to buying in the store is asking your child if they want you to put that item on their Christmas or Birthday list. This way they feel heard but they aren’t getting every toy they’ve ever asked for from you. My kids love having me take photos on my phone of the toys they want for Christmas. (and it also helps me Christmas shop later on)
Say thank you to your spouse & tell them you appreciate them
This goes along with modeling gratitude to your kids. But, it’s important enough that I think it deserves its own bullet point.
I remember when my husband and I first got married and he would say things like, “I really appreciate you (fill in the blank).” It was always something like making dinner, doing dishes, cleaning up, etc. It was always something I felt was just a given but he made a point to thank me for it and when I started doing the same back to him, it made all the difference.
Saying thank you to your spouse will not only teach your kids the attitude of gratitude. It will teach them how to voice their gratitude while also modeling how important gratitude is in marriage and family life.
Try making homemade toys
Part of teaching kids gratitude is teaching them to take care of their toys and value them. One of the best ways to do that is to make homemade toys with them. They will value something they’ve made far beyond any other toy they’ve been given because of the work involved in making it. That’s what makes it a fantastic way to help them start appreciating their other toys.
Why is gratitude important
Saying thank you is not just a kid thing. Gratitude is an important part of daily life in adulthood too. So, rather than just having your kids parrot back, “thank you,” without knowing why, teach them why gratitude is so important.
Explain it to them with common examples throughout the day like thanking the cashier, waitress, or even someone that holds the door at the grocery store. Talk about how they feel when someone else says thank you to them versus when they don’t.
Write thank you notes
As your kids get older, thank you cards are a great way for them to show gratitude towards family. For example, writing thank you cards for gifts they receive on their birthday will help kids pause and be thankful for each gift rather than just frantically opening them all and mentally moving on.
Tell your kids thank you
When you “catch” your kids being good, you will not only reinforce their good behavior, but you will also show them you appreciate their efforts to follow directions and help out around the house. So, when your kids make an effort to help out with cooking, cleaning, etc. it might take a bit longer to accomplish your task but make sure you are intentional to say thank you for their help and kindness.
Start a gratitude journal
When I was a kid, my dad would keep a gratitude journal and ask each of us what we were grateful for that day. It didn’t get done every day but it still created a habit of gratefulness in our house. Plus, kids will pick the most adorable and funny things to be grateful for some days. Tonight, my two year old was thankful for a “pot” to cook in.
Shift the focus onto time together rather than things
Our kids will place value on the things that we place value on. If we lead them to believe that the stuff we buy is what makes us happy, they will seek the same thing. So instead, be intentional to show them that time with them is what you really value.
Read books about gratitude
If you have toddlers and young kids, reading books is the best way to teach just about anything. Kids need lots of examples to understand a concept and books are a great way to help them see more examples of gratitude outside of their world.
Limit screen time
I know screen time can be a touchy subject amongst parents but I really do believe screen time plays a role in gratitude.
I’ve noticed a change within my kids even if it’s just a single rainy day with a lot of TV. They forget their manners and social skills and gratefulness follows suit. Gratefulness is part of being socially aware, which kids (and people in general) get worse at the more and more they interact with screens instead of people.
This post was all about teaching kids gratitude in simple every day ways that will stick with them even into adulthood. I hope you’ve found something practical to try with your kids and I’m so grateful you’re here!
-Beautifully Busy Mom
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Meet the Author
Hi, I’m Monica! I’m a former teacher turned stay at home mom of three! I started this blog after feeling very lonely at the beginning of my motherhood journey. My goal is that no other moms would feel the way that I felt. So, this blog is filled with free resources, fun activities, and answers to the not so easy questions. That way, you can enjoy the beautiful chaos that is motherhood. Let’s be friends 🙂
