Gratitude in children often begins with teaching manners but, as parents, the goal is to raise our children to feel genuinely appreciative and thankful throughout their life. This helps nurture a positive outlook and supports mental wellbeing, so what can we do to encourage and foster gratitude in children?
Teaching by example
In the daily rush, it’s easy for us adults to miss the opportunity of showing gratitude, but by giving thanks to everyday things that are around us, it shows a child the value of appreciation. It might be a kind gesture, a delicious meal, a helping hand or even a sunny day to be thankful for. It encourages mindfulness in a moment, and be aware of our surroundings and the people we’re interacting with by showing thanks. Our Academe Time teachers nurture this in all of our group programs by demonstrating and encouraging empathy and kindness in every interaction as it’s a value that is so important to us.
Parents and teachers have the ability to nurture gratitude quite simply through their own actions and responses. When children see those they look up to acting with gratitude it organically influences their own behaviours.
Lara Wiser – Academe Time Director
Allow time to reflect
As above, mindfulness and gratitude really do go hand in hand. Children can be easily impacted by a negative experience in their day that often overshadows the good. But allowing time to reflect on the other parts of their day, it can encourage a positive outlook to give gratitude to the things that did make them feel good and happy. Asking ‘What are you thankful for today?’ or ‘What made you happy today’ can prompt this shift and create a positive habit. For some children, a gratitude journal can support this reflection, but a conversation may suit your child too.
Gratitude journals
Whilst not for everyone, many children enjoy having a place to actively perform the behaviour of gratitude. By writing down the things they are grateful for, it can highlight just how small an action can be and still have an impact on their own mental health and of others they are showing gratitude to. Journaling can allow time for reflection and thoughts that support a child’s emotional development.
Volunteering
Gratitude is really about giving. For children, their world can be expanded by seeing the opportunities to contribute, help and connect with others that may give perspective to see how fortunate they are.
Gratitude develops by appreciating what you have and discovering the impact the smallest of contributions can make to someone else’s life.
Whether it’s your local sporting club, food bank, animal shelter or community organisation, think about volunteering with your child to nurture gratitude. Note how your child feels from doing something for others too as it’s been shown to be excellent for the giver’s mental wellbeing with what’s referred to as ‘the helpers-high’.
Random acts of kindness
Being kind is a wonderful trait and putting it into action creates a lovely gratitude loop. If your child sees you do something kind for someone as a natural and random behaviour, there’s a good chance your child will feel the positivity of that experience and learn to follow in your footsteps. Again, it can be the smallest of actions but it establishes a behaviour that’s all about gratitude and awareness of others when it’s seen and experienced often.
Fostering gratitude in your child is a process that takes time and patience as they grow and mature and will be impacted greatly by your own behaviour, so it’s an opportunity for growth and mindfulness together! Looking for teachers, carers, coaches and programs that value empathy, kindness, mindfulness and gratitude can further support your child to grow into a kind and caring adult.
With consistent effort, you can help your child develop a grateful mindset that will benefit them throughout their life.
