Gratitude means finding the good in each day. Studies show that children who practice gratitude experience greater happiness and increased satisfaction with their social relationships. Parents can help build this mindset by starting simple gratitude routines to support resilience building from home.
The Gratitude Practice handout explains why gratitude is important and guides clients through 4 meaningful steps to create a daily routine. It also gives tips for making their practice feel more personal. At the bottom of the page, there’s a final reminder that even on difficult days, there’s something to be thankful for.
Children and teens benefit from this handout because it teaches them to slow down and notice the positive parts of their day. Feel free to use it at home, in therapy sessions, or at school as part of a social-emotional learning activity. It can also be added to a classroom calming corner.
Start small — especially with younger children. Parents can begin by simply talking with their child about small moments worth appreciating, like a fun game at recess or a kind word from a friend. More importantly, adults can model gratitude in everyday life by sharing what they’re thankful for.
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References:
- Hussong, A. M., Langley, H. A., Rothenberg, W. A., Coffman, J. L., Halberstadt, A. G., Costanzo, P. R., & Mokrova, I. (2019). Raising Grateful Children One Day at a Time. Applied Developmental Science, 23(4), 371. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2018.1441713
- Novotney, A. (2023, November 21). Stop telling your kids to be grateful. Show them how instead. https://www.apa.org/topics/parenting/cultivating-gratitude-kids
- Rothenberg, W. A., Hussong, A. M., Langley, H. A., Egerton, G. A., Halberstadt, A. G., Coffman, J. L., Mokrova, I., & Costanzo, P. R. (2016). Grateful parents raising grateful children: Niche selection and the socialization of child gratitude. Applied Developmental Science, 21(2), 106. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2016.1175945
