How to Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude has incredible effects, from improving our mental health to boosting our relationships with others. 

Building your capacity for gratitude isn’t difficult. It just takes practice. The more you can bring your attention to that which you feel grateful for, the more you’ll notice to feel grateful for!

Tips for Teaching Gratitude

Here are some tips from First Things First, gathered from child development experts and websites:

Teach them to say thank you to the people who do things for them. That can be their server at a restaurant, a brother or sister who helps them pick up toys, or a friend who gives them a birthday gift.

Tell your kids why you are grateful for them. Be specific in letting your children know they are special and loved. For example: ‘I appreciate the way you help your brother tie his shoes.’

Talk about the things you are grateful for. This can be done in many ways, from a blessing before dinner to keeping a family gratitude journal.

Support a charitable event or organisation. Whether you are donating clothes or toys, participating in a food drive, or baking cookies for a new neighbor, talk to children about what those actions mean to those who receive the kindness.

Be consistent. Like all skills, gratitude is not learned in one lesson

More Resources

Sesame Street: Feeling Gratitude – Easy strategies that help children focus on reasons to be grateful can really help them get through challenging times.

ZERO TO THREE: Nurturing Gratitude – Many parents worry about children being ungrateful. Here’s what you can do

Jenny Willmott

jwillmott@sjvmulgrave.catholic.edu.au

Deputy Principal and Well Being Leader