How To Help Your Kids Foster Gratitude Daily: Expert Tips From A Clinical Psychologist

As we approach the season of giving and thankfulness, gratitude for all that we have is top of mind for many of us. And while it's nice to take a beat and put things back into perspective, the truth is gratitude isn't something to be saved up and observed later. We should all practice a little mindfulness each and every day. And while it's easy enough for adults to understand and do, gratitude may be a bit more vague and maybe even confusing for kids. 

Before we dive in, Latimer shares some thoughts about gratitude. 

Simply put, gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for the good things in your life. While children (and some adults) may focus on material things, Latimer says that's where gratitude practices typically start, but that's never where it ends. 

"When you don't know what gratitude is, you might focus more on material things," says Latimer. "Usually, that's where a professional can come in to help (both adults and kids) understand that gratitude is not necessarily about 'things.' Once we move past the material things and get more specific about the things we truly value—on a deeper level, that's really where things open up, and people realize that they have so much more than they think."

For most parents, the first step in fostering gratitude in their kids is to explain it to them in terms they can understand based on their age and emotional maturity. "If you have a very young child, you're probably not going to use the term 'gratitude,' says Latimer. "You're better off using a term like 'thankful' as even little kids will understand this basic concept."

"Kids usually have some really great ideas," says Latimer. "Once you discuss the concept with them, ask them for ideas on how they want to express their gratitude. Not only are they likely to come up with more creative ideas than any adult ever could."

"Ideally, gratitude shouldn't be something only the kids are doing," says Latimer. "Parents can encourage practicing gratitude as a family by choosing an activity that everyone can get involved in, whether that's adopting a family that's less fortunate, planting a garden in an area where there's a food desert, or volunteering in a homeless shelter—it's something they can do together." 

"Kids really enjoy seeing the product of their gratitude," says Latimer. "If that sounds like your child, try a gratitude jar."

And it's as easy as it sounds. Start with an empty jar with little slips of blank paper.

"For older kids (and adults), one of the most effective ways to practice gratitude is journaling," says Latimer. She adds that sitting down to write may sound stressful and daunting, but it doesn't have to be. "To get your child started, take a blank piece of paper; make three columns for people, places, and things; and fill them in."