As we spend more time with our children and imitate family, it is very important to encourage and help them to develop the spirit of being grateful for the big and little things the enjoy. Here are some easy ways to incorporate the virtue of gratitude in children. As you go through your day, focus and show them, the wonderful events and scenes that we all most usually take for granted.

• Set the Right Example.

It is better if you teach children by using the appropriate words at the right times yourself. How many parents do you see saying “Thank You” to their two or three year old children. It is through example that kids learn best, and teaching gratitude is no different than anything else in that respect. “Children Learn What They Live!”

• Teach It Through Role Playing.

You can play games with your children that implement the virtue of gratitude. Play the second chair and practice showing them how it feels to be on the receiving end of an unexpected, “Thank You!”

• Teach by Showing Them How to Be of Service to Others.

Even simple things such as holding a door for an elderly person, having a friendly smile or doing something for charity or free, are small ways we can show them how others appreciate us and our actions. It is also a way to put a smile and a lift into a strangers day, which always creates a good feeling within the person who is doing the kind act as well. You would be surprised how many times a simple gesture like this can occur in your normal day activities, in places like grocery stores, doctors offices, or shopping trips.

• Make a List.

An easy way to get children to make a list of what they are thankful for is to use a Daily Gratitude Journal. You can find several Gratitude Journal Software on this link. You can get the gratitude journals in two different versions, one written in “kid language and displaying an output of “kid fonts” and an adult version as well.

• Teach Gratitude While Going Without Things.

In the recent times of uncertainty and COVID-19 my single family of three kids and myself had to deal with a full 24 hours of no power. It can be argued that during an uncertain situation or circumstance is an ideal opportunity to teach children what we can be thankful for or things we normally took for granted. Simple things like, movement, meeting up with friends and neighbours, outdoor or group activities, birthdays are just a few that quickly comes to mind.

• Show them How to Be Thankful for the Little Things in Life.

As in the previous example, we many not have considered social gathering like birthdays or going outdoor as little things, but things that are always there for our children. However, they are now things that may not be taken for granted any more and much attention will be paid to such gathering.

Other simple examples could include; having access to shopping and food at all times, friends to play with, and having plenty of resources and school supplies. Showing them examples of children in other countries who may have it worse situations is a way of teaching them appreciation for what they have, too.

• Teach them to see the good in someone they may not like.

Using a negative experience to teach children the value of being grateful is always an option. What comes to my mind is the Walt Disney movie, “PollyAnna” where she played the “Glad” game and found many things to be grateful for in every situation she encountered. Watching this video and discussing it with your child may be a great, gratitude building quality time family activity.

As you go through your day, show them, the wonderful events going on behind the scenes that we all most usually take for granted. Things like the police, who protect us, the firemen who are there for those who need them, the health care and key workers, and the individuals at the grocery store doing their job to help us get our food. Simple thank you comments to all of these daily activities is the easiest way to role model appreciation that children will learn and emulate.