Gratitude can be expressed in a variety of ways, and a little bit really does go a long way. It not only helps others to feel appreciated, it has benefits for your own overall sense of wellbeing too. Did you know you can lower stress levels, improve sleep and boost your immune system just by being grateful?
Kids aren’t born feeling grateful, they need your help to understand what it means to be grateful and empathetic, and learn how to practice and show gratitude.
Eight gratitude prompts
- Something money can’t buy that I’m grateful for is…
- Something that comforts me that I’m grateful for is…
- A challenge I’m grateful for is…
- Something in nature I’m grateful for is…
- Something that makes me smile that I’m grateful for is…
- Someone who makes me happy that I’m grateful for…
- A memory that I’m grateful for is…
- A strength of mine which I’m grateful for is…
Ways to help you practise being grateful
- Keep a journal. Start the day by writing down three things you’re grateful for. This also helps to increase your sense of wellbeing and happiness by appreciating the small things.
- Start a gratitude jar. Write notes and put them in the jar through out the year. Open the jar at the end of the year and read the statements together as a family.
- Role model it to your kids. If something happens through out the day you’re grateful for, say it out loud so your kids can start to understand what it means. Something as simple as, “I’m so grateful we live in a neighbourhood with such an awesome park”, “I’m grateful we get to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa on the weekend”, “Today is a beautiful day, the sun is shining, I am grateful for the good weather!”
- Talk about it. Have a daily chat about 1 or 2 things you’re grateful for. This shows kids that even on days that aren’t all that crash hot, there are things to be thankful for. It can be something as simple as your loyal pet, or the nice weather.
- Take photos of things you’re grateful for. Each day make it a priority to take a photo of one thing you’re grateful for. This helps you to appreciate the small things. After a given time, create a collage of all the photos.
