5 Ways To Instill Thankfulness In Your Kids
Instilling thankfulness in our children is one of the most important — and ongoing — parts of parenting. Gratitude isn’t something we learn once; it’s something we practice daily. Here are a few meaningful and practical ways to help teach your kids to be thankful:
Make a Thankful Jar
A “Thankful Jar” is a simple, hands-on way to help kids recognize the good in their lives. At the beginning of a month (November is great, but it can be any time), place an empty jar in a visible spot in your home. Each day, spend a few minutes with your kids writing down one or two things you're thankful for, then drop the notes into the jar. At the end of the month, gather as a family to read everything you wrote — it’s a powerful reminder of all the blessings, big and small, in your lives.
Remind Them to Say “Thank You”
Saying “thank you” might seem like a small thing, but small habits can leave the biggest impact. Remind your kids to say thank you when they receive something — even if it’s not exactly what they wanted. Gratitude isn’t about loving every gift or gesture; it’s about acknowledging the kindness behind it.
Read About Thankfulness
Books are a wonderful way to introduce and reinforce important values. Choose a handful of picture books or stories that focus on thankfulness and incorporate them into your nap-time or bedtime routine. Not only does this create special bonding time, but it also opens the door to thoughtful conversations about being grateful.
Don’t Give Them Everything They Want
One of the most effective ways to teach thankfulness is by setting boundaries. When kids receive everything they ask for, it’s easy for gratitude to be replaced by entitlement. Saying “no” sometimes teaches children to appreciate what they do have — and to recognize the value of things that are earned or given with care.
Model Thankfulness
Perhaps the most powerful lesson in thankfulness comes from what your kids see in you. Talk about the things you’re grateful for — out loud and often. Let them hear you thank others, thank God, and express appreciation for the little things. Gratitude isn’t always easy to model, especially when life feels hectic or overwhelming, but those are the moments when it matters most.