Learning About How to Teach Your Child Gratitude

How do you teach your child to be grateful?

Gratitude means being thankful for everything that is important to you and good in your life. Practicing gratitude helps children focus on what they appreciate about their lives. It can help them stay positive, joyful, and resilient. And it's a good daily habit for them to learn.

Here are some tips to help your child learn how to be grateful.

• Practice gratitude in your own life.

  Be a role model for your child. Talk about what makes you feel grateful, and why. Thank others when someone does something kind for you.

• Ask children what they are grateful for in their lives.

  Tell your child some of the best things about your day. Then try asking, "What were you thankful for today?" "Why did that make you feel thankful?" You can also ask, "How did someone help you today?"

• Remind children to thank others.

  Your child can say "thank you" with words or by making handmade art. You can also help your child thank someone by making homemade treats together.

• Find fun ways to show gratitude.

  Children can take pictures of the things they are grateful for in their lives. Or they can draw pictures of things that make them feel thankful. This could be a family pet, a friend, a sibling, or a favorite food.

• Show children how to find the upside.

  Anyone can have a bad day. Remind your child that there is always something to appreciate, even on bad days. Ask your child what made their day better. Maybe it was spending time with a friend or hearing a favorite song.