10 Powerful Ways to Raise Grateful Kids – Teach Thankfulness That Lasts!
In this post, I’m going to cover 10 ways to instill more gratitude for you and your family—even with very little kids at home. Now, stick with me until the end.
Meet the Author
Hi, I’m Amelia Marsh, writer on MixMindSet. I’m a mindful parenting coach and a proud mother of two. I feel really blessed that I’m able to help thousands of parents across the globe reclaim presence, peace, and play for their families—and I hope I can help you do the same.
Now, if anything about this resonates with you, please slam on that like button, and let’s get started with our gratitude tips.
Table of Contents
1. Model Gratitude
No surprise there, right? We all know we have to start by doing what we want our children to do. But most of us get stuck on this one—I certainly am guilty of that.
We tell our children to be grateful while complaining about our own lives. Modeling gratitude means actively showing them how we choose an outlook of appreciation—even in tough times.
When something goes wrong, whether it’s spilled milk or something serious like illness, we need to demonstrate how we actively pursue gratitude. Challenges can be learning opportunities, and adversity makes us stronger.
2. Show Gratitude Towards Your Children
Let your kids know you’re grateful for them. Show them you appreciate their presence, their personality, their love, and their contributions. While I discourage excessive praise, I absolutely believe in expressing genuine gratitude. Thanking them for their efforts, even for small things, reinforces their value.
3. Encourage Real Contribution
We often step in to do things for our kids because it’s easier, but allowing them to contribute helps them feel a sense of meaning. Let them pour their own milk, set the table, or help with household tasks. Feeling capable and helpful fosters gratitude. This is why I don’t believe in paying for chores—contributing to the family should come naturally, not as a transaction.
4. Don’t Be Overprotective
Gratitude is all about perspective. If we shelter children from hardships, they may not realize how fortunate they are. That doesn’t mean exposing them to unnecessary fear, but gently helping them understand that not everyone has the privileges they do. When kids realize they have so much, minor complaints—like not having the latest toy—lose their power.
5. Ritualize Gratitude
Gratitude is a habit. Whether it’s saying a prayer before meals, sharing daily gratitude at dinner, or keeping a gratitude journal, making it a ritual helps reinforce it. These small, consistent actions shape a lifelong attitude of appreciation.
6. Choose Empathy Over Labels
It’s easy to label kids as ungrateful, but doing so only puts them on the defensive. Instead, try to empathize with their perspective. If they complain about fairness or feeling like they don’t have enough, acknowledge their feelings, then guide them toward understanding what it means to be lucky and blessed.
7. Adopt a Charity as a Family
Supporting a charity together teaches children the joy of giving. One great option is Plan International, which allows families to sponsor a child and exchange letters. Seeing another child’s life firsthand can make kids more appreciative of what they have.
Read Also: The Case for Marrying an Older Man: Editor Reviews
8. Volunteer Together
Whether it’s visiting a nursing home, helping at an animal shelter, or spending time with children who have disabilities, volunteering offers perspective. It helps kids appreciate their health, their home, and their opportunities.
9. Become Problem Solvers
Rather than focusing on problems, teach kids to find solutions. Ask them, “What problems do you want to solve?” instead of, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This shifts their mindset from dwelling on issues to seeing themselves as capable of making a difference.
10. Be Relentlessly Optimistic
Martin Seligman’s book Learned Optimism teaches that optimism grows when we see the good in ourselves and others as permanent, personal, and pervasive. When your child misbehaves or struggles, remind them: “You are good. You are great. And sometimes, you make mistakes—just like we all do.”
Read Also: THIS Is Why You Shouldn’t Date A BROKE MAN (Even If He’s Loyal)
By practicing these steps, you can cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your home, creating a positive, appreciative environment for your family. What gratitude rituals do you use in your home? Share them below!
