5 Easy Ways to Make Giving Thanks a Habit

By showing appreciation for and acknowledging the goodness in our lives, we can begin to feel more positive emotions as well as a greater sense of connection to people and the world. We can help our children build their reservoir of positive emotions by guiding them to create intention around being thankful on a regular basis. Here are 5 easy ways you can incorporate giving thanks into your child's daily routine starting today:

1. Make it a habit to take a few minutes to share three things you are thankful for. Whether it's a person, place, personal quality, activity, or kind gesture, there is nothing too small or too big.
2. Create a gratitude board. Gather some art supplies and begin listing and/or drawing things that you appreciate in your life while letting your creativity flow.
3. Keep a gratitude journal where your child can write and/or draw the things they are thankful for. They can refer to their journal anytime they choose to reflect and remind themselves of the people and things they cherish most.
4. Write a gratitude letter to someone you appreciate. We know that when we're thankful, we feel happier. And when we share with the people in our life how they make our days brighter, we spread that joy.
5. Make a gratitude jar or box that you can drop gratitude statements into each day. Write your gratitude statements down on slips of paper and chat about them before adding them in. On days when you can use a little reminder of all the goodness in your life, pick out a few slips and read them aloud. You can decorate the jar/box to make it uniquely yours.