Instilling a sense of gratitude in children is vitally important in raising an appreciative child. However, it goes even further than that. Researchers have shown that practicing gratitude regularly has decreased rates of depression and stress, reduced toxic thinking, had positive impacts on heart health, and improved overall mental health, happiness, and well-being. Amazingly, studies have shown these effects can last well into adulthood. Teaching children can take some creative thinking to make a strong impression. Here are 25 inspiring and unique activities on gratitude for kids that you’ll want to start practicing today!
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Why Activities on Gratitude are Important
Activities on gratitude are so important. For children and adolescents, it means learning skills to help them cope with stressors in life, be more mindful, and create habits that can serve them throughout their lives. Better functioning, improved mental health, closer relationships, the reasons are endless. Yet, outside of Thanksgiving, a lot of well-meaning parents don’t make this a regular habit.
It definitely should be. Research shows that just 5 minutes a day practicing gratitude can increase long-term happiness and well-being by 10%. Considering that practicing gratitude and most activities on gratitude are free, there really is no downside here.
1. Identify the positives
It sounds simple, doesn’t it? If you want to teach your kids how to be grateful, help them name exactly what it is they have to be grateful for in life. How often do you do this with them now?
Include the little things that even many adults often take for granted.
Parents of younger kids can help instill this by making it a habit. No excuses here, this works for those with even the busiest of schedules. Ask them questions and process their responses, whether it’s in the car line at school, or at night before bed. If your child had a bad day, help them look for the positives in that situation.
You can make this into a game, take turns going back and forth, or if your family is religious or spiritual, you can do this through prayer as well.
2. Create a Gratitude Journal
Gratitude journals are an excellent way to encourage children and teens to identify and express gratitude and appreciation in a creative way. Younger children may also be encouraged to start making their own journals through drawing or artwork depicting blessings in their life.
To foster the creative elements of these activities on gratitude, the journal does not have to be a simple list of things that they are thankful for. Rather, it can include drawings, questions fostering deep thinking, photographs, and more.
For ideas, inspiration, and templates, check out this gratitude journal guide.
3. Play a game
Activities on gratitude for kids should be fun! Not only will this help keep their interest, but creative and interesting elements are more likely to stand out in their mind and be rememebered. That’s why playing a game is a great way to instill gratitude that is more likely to have long-lasting results.
One way to do this is through a game of Gratitude Charades. It can be played just like regular charades, but with a twist. Instead of having everyone write down answers to a category, have them think of different ideas related to gratitude. Here are some examples:
- I am thankful for…
- An amazing thing that happened to me was…
- One act of kindness I witnessed was…
- I feel so lucky that…
Be creative! Be sure to encourage players to write down more than generic responses. Responses that are thoughtful, specific, and unique will make for a great game! After everyone has written down their answers, collect them in a bowl and play!
4. Gratitude Bingo
Speaking of games, I created this awesome free printable game of Gratitude Bingo.
Just like regular Bingo, this version is full of things we can be grateful for everyday. It’s another fun game to help practice gratitude and promote discussions on being thankful and expressing this in our daily lives.
As a bonus, it can be played with younger kids to even older teens. Most people can get down with a good game of Bingo!
DOWNLOAD FREE PRINTABLE GRATITUDE BINGO SET
This free printable gratitude PDF includes a call card that can be cut into pieces and drawn and called out, and five separate playing cards.
5. Give them a job to do
Although it has turned somewhat controversial these days, don’t underestimate the importance of giving children chores, tasks, or something important to do within the household.
A recent psychological study confirmed what we already know. That giving children chores at a young age has positive, long-lasting results.
According to researcher Marty Rossmann, “By involving children in tasks, parents teach their children a sense of responsibility,
competence, self-reliance, and self-worth that stays with them throughout their lives.”
In fact, the study, which took place over 25 years, reinforced that the best predictor of success in early adulthood was whether the individual completed household chores between the ages of 3 and 4 years old.
So hand your kid a mop, turn up the Whistle While You Work soundtrack, and watch their sense of gratitude and self-esteem blossom.
6. Perform random acts of kindness
One of the most effective ways to raising happy and appreciative children is by showing them the impact of doing for others. Helping others has been shown to increase happiness and well-being, give individuals a sense of purpose and satisfaction, and promote additional positive behaviors and self-esteem.
It also demonstrates to children that happiness comes from within. This is an incredibly important lesson in life. Sadly, many adults still don’t understand this concept. No matter what our situation in life, we can find happiness through practicing kindness to others.
Best of all, being kind is free.
Looking for ideas? Check out this list of 101 random acts of kindness ideas!
7. Travel with your kids
Due to my husband’s career in the military, we were abruptly thrown into world traveling. When my daughter was only 2 months old, the Air Force handed my husband orders to Korea. Although completely unexpected, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Since then, we have expanded our horizons and traveled around the world with both of our kids. In fact, inspiring others to do the same is one of the main reasons I started this blog!
There are several benefits to traveling with children, and teaching them gratitude is only one of them.
Children learn best through hands-on experience. Traveling can provide this through witnessing different cultures and ways of life. It shows that a lot of the thigns we complain about are trivial in comparision to other places. Traveling can deepen the respect for others and desire to help others in whatever ways we can.
Military nomads are familiar with this in a unique way also. Military brats (and spouses and servicemembers) learn very quickly through countless, frequent moves that the items that we can’t always take with us are not what’s most important.
8. Turn I Can’t into I Get to
The power of language is often overlooked. However, the very basis of cognitive behavioral therapy in psychology is the idea that our thoughts influence our emotions, and our emotions impact our behaviors.
Help children re-frame their thoughts early on, and it’s a skill that can get them through whatever life throws at them.
Whenever you hear them say “I have to” do something, change it into an “I get to” do this thing. The same goes for yourself. If you catch yourself saying something similar, change that thought and that statement. Remember that parental role-modeling speaks volumes louder than what we actually say to our kids!
I have to go to school today? No, I get to go to school today! How lucky am I to have access to education, resources, and a better opportunity for success one day!
See how that works? Now go and live it!
9. Create a gratitude jar
One of the most simple, yet effective activities on gratitude is creating a gratitude jar. It encourages youth of all ages to take the time to really think about what they are grateful for. That five minutes a day to spend practicing gratitude? This can be it right here!
Additionally, during difficult times, the jar is there filled with reminders that even on the darkest days, there is still so much to appreciate.
Since being named one of Oprah’s favorite things, the gratitude jar has exploded in popularity. You can even purchase this adorable gratitude jar for yourself, er, your kids.
Get it from Amazon here.
However, don’t feel like you need to buy one. Any jar, vase, or mason glass would do just fine. Blogger Make It & Love It has free gratitude printables you can use to make your own DIY gratitude jar.
10. Write thank-you cards
Admittedly, when I was growing up, writing thank-you cards was a tortuous task. However, as an adult, I can appreciate the value that such a simple gesture can have on others. In today’s modern society, where receiving mail that isn’t junk is a rarity, it’s even more so.
Teach your children the importance of writing a thank-you card for gifts received, lessons learned, and the teachers and neighbors who have been there throughout the years. They may groan today, but they will thank you for it later. (See what I did there?)
Furthermore, thank-you cards or gestures can be extended to those who sacrifice for us through service. Military members, firefighters, police officers, are just a few of the everyday heros who deserve our gratitude.
11. Volunteer
Of course, volunteering remains a great way to instill appreciation and gratitude in children, while giving back to the community. Whether it is donating time, items, or money, volunteering promotes selflessness, generosity, and apprecition for what we have.
Unforunately, it is often overlooked outside of the holiday season despite being such a wonderful activity on gratitude. There are always charities and local organizations that would benefit from volunteers. Children may respond well to places that align with their own interests, such as an animal shelter for the kid who loves animals.
Volunteering can also be an activity that includes the entire family. This can increase parental-child bonds, create positive memories, and instill a sense of gratitude that lasts a lifetime.
12. Teach gratitude through reading
There is a reason why so many child therapists, including myself, incorporate reading into therapy sessions with younger clients. Children learn significantly through reading, and can remember more when it is told through a story mode rather than directly.
This makes teaching gratitude through reading an effective and fun way to help them understand lessons on gratitude and what it means to be appreciative.
If you’re working with a younger child, this book on gratitude is an inspirational experience and a great place to start.
Get it from Amazon here.
13. Create a Gratitude Collage
Gratitude collages are so easy and fun to make. Simply have your children cut out pictures, words, or quotes of things that they are grateful for or inspire gratitude. Then arrange and decorate to create a beautiful collage! Hanging it up in their room or in a place that is easily visbile is a great way reminder to think of these things daily.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my previous post on creating a vision board for tips and inspiration. This vision board has since turned into a gratitude collage as all of my goals have manifested and since been achieved!
Related:
14. Practice empathy
Empathy is more than one of the most essential practices for activities on gratitude, but researchers also believe it is critical for long-term success and development. Outside of reflective listening, understanding our children and what they are expressing, and fostering empathy through role-modeling, there are other ways to help make this a regular habit.
Playing games, watching movies and discussing the feelings and emotions of key characters, and role-playing are a few examples. If you have pets or access to animals, they can also be a great way to promote fun discussion and practice in empathy.
15. Reward positive behaviors
Rewarding positive behaviors, including gratitude practice, is a great way to reinforce contiuing these behaviors. There are so many fun ways to reward children for giving generously and being kind to others. Some popular ideas include creating positive reinforcement charts or giving verbal praise.
One of my favorite ways we’ve done this with our daughter is through a fairy door. The fairies leave small gifts, messages, and surprises at night when she is sleeping when she has earned rewards. Afterwards, we can process why she was rewarded and it’s fun to watch her communicate back through the fairy door as well.
Get it from Amazon here.
16. Make a Gratitude Flower
Art is an amazing and often therapeutic way to encourage creativity and self-expression in children. The gratitude flower is a simple, yet beautiful exercise on gratitude that can be tailored to each child’s needs and abilities.
To create the gratitude flower activity, you’ll need some construction paper, scissors, and glue. Extras can be added such as magazine clippings, glitter, ribbon, etc. There is no right or wrong here!
For older adolescents or teens, a painted representation could be done as well.
Step 1: Cut out a stem and leaves for the base of the flower. Paste these onto the main piece of construction paper, which will serve as the background.
Step 2: Cut out the flower and petals for the flower. Then, paste these onto the paper along with the stem and leaves.
Step 3: Have your child identify things that they are grateful for and write one thing on each flower petal. Photographs can also be used instead.
Step 4: Use this opportunity to process the things that they have identified. You can use this activity to talk about how these blessings can be seen as an extension of themselves. Just as the petals affect the beauty and health of the flower, how do these blessings affect them and enrich their lives?
Step 5: Hang up your child’s artwork as a great reminder to think of their blessings each and every day!
If you’re like me and need help with tracing the actual flower, there are tons of free printable flower cutouts online to serve as a guide. Or if you want to be extra, you can also use this free paper flower template to create a true masterpiece.
17. Practice Mindfulness Skills
Teaching and promoting mindfulness in children is not only an effective way to teach kids gratitude, but is also a coping skill, decreases stress, and fosters positivity as well.
Mindfulness skills can be practiced in many ways, which makes it beneficial as it can be tailored to the age and nature of your child. First, help children take the time to be in the present moment. Ask them to point out the smells, sounds, tastes, sights, and sensations all around them.
A fun way to incorporate this is through a book of mindfulness activities created just for kids.
Get it from Amazon here.
18. Identify and prioritize values
Developing values is extremely important in childhood. It helps to shape what children believe are most important, although they may need help identifying what these values may be.
As we grow older, our values can have considerable impacts on our lives. This includes career, families, relationships, money, and religious values, to name a few. When our values conflict with where we spend our time or actions performing, individuals can feel depressed, frustrated, or experience a lack of gratitude as a result. Therefore, helping children identify and practice their values is extremely important.
19. Participate in environmental cleanups
One thing we can all show more appreciation and respect for is our beautiful Earth. Help children practice environmental activities on gratitude by picking up trash, learning to recycle, creating a compost pile, or planting a garden.
Not only does it help children practice mindfulness and spend more time outdoors, but it also fosters gratitude for some of our most basic necessities. Additionally, by teaching this respect to our children, can help ensure that the clean air and fresh water we have today will exist for many generations to come.
20. Start a lemonade stand
Or garage sale, bake sale, babysitting service, whatever is appropriate and reinforcing for your child. Encouraging them to make their own money can foster entrepreneurship, while helping them appreciate the value of a dollar.
Let them purchase something with their hard-earned money. They will have a deeper understanding and should care greater for these toys or items rather than if they were just given to them.
21. Experience new things
One of my favorite traditions we have started with our own children is replacing toys with experiences. What a simple but seemingly lost idea in today’s society.
However, the truth is, toys that they beg for today will be broken, lost, or unalluring tomorrow. However, the trips to the beach, family vacations, and time spent together and experiencing new things is creating memories that will last a lifetime.
22. Go on a gratitude walk
Gratitude walks are an awesome way to combine mindfulness, getting outdoors, and bonding with your children while helping them identify gratitude for the world around them.
When my daughter was younger, she, like most kids, would become upset when it rained outside. The rain meant that we couldn’t play! However, it was a great learning opportunity that even though it seemed like a negative thing, that rain also helps our beautiful garden grow. It allows us to have fun doing rainy day activities we might have missed out on. It allows us to appreciate the sunshine that much more when it comes back out.
Gratitude walks also serve as a reminder that sometimes, we need quiet time for reflection. This is where new ideas are born, positive thinking can be done, and time can be spent actually enjoying the wonders of this world.
23. Meditate
Meditation is not just one of the most inspiring activities on gratitude for kids, it is also a way to help teach them focus, learn and practice deep breathing, and utilize an important coping skill.
Help them sit quietly and learn to reflect on all of the blessings in their life. Growth mindset can be achieved through understanding that some situations, while seemingly negative at the time, may have had a positive outcome. It can also be taught to be grateful for the lessons learned during tough challenges, and strength gained.
There are many ways to meditate. This includes thousands of videos online for kids of all ages, which include music, guided meditations, visual imagery, drumming, and more!
24. Blessings Rocks
Have you heard on blessings rocks? The way that they can work to help inspire gratitude in children is two-fold. One, you can find a smooth, flat rock that is small enough to fit in your child’s hand or pocket. Perhaps it can be found on a gratitude walk!
Then, kids can decorate their rock by painting pictures, symbols, or words that express gratitude. Some common themes have been thankful, blessings, joy, and slow down. The blessings rocks can be carried throughout the idea. The idea is that whenever you reach in your pocket and feel the smooth rock, you are reminded to think of your blessings in life.
However, thanks to the Kindness Rocks Project, blessings rocks have also been hidden around the world for others to find. It was started to help brighten someone’s day, which is an amazing idea to help inspire others.
25. Role Model
Of course, I’ve saved the most important for last. Role-modeling is incredibly important for children. As they grow and learn, the majority of what they retain and follow will be from what you do as a parent, not from what you say.
To use this to effectively foster that attitude of gratitude, make it a part of your everyday life and habits also. Express appreciation to your children when they are exhibiting helpful behaviors towards others. Practice gratitude towards your spouse or partner often.
Offer to help your neighbors, friends, or family who are in need in whatever ways you are capable. Use your own thank-you’s, to your kids, and those around you. Your kids are watching and learning, even when you might not realize it!
Planting these seeds in your family today will have long-lasting impressions down the road. Have patience, and don’t forget to appreciate yourself for the love and presence you bring as a parent!
Do you have any activities on gratitude to share? Let us know in the comments below!
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Chelsea says
I love these ideas! It’s so important to teach kids gratitude.
Christina says
Thank you! I completely agree, and psychologically, that attitude of gratitude can shape their happiness throughout their lives. What an amazing legacy to leave our kids!
Elizabeth says
What excellent ideas! I think my favorite one is the gratitude bingo game.
Christina says
I’m so glad you liked it! I’ve been playing it with my daughter and it’s been a lot of fun!
Anastarcia Palacious says
Wow. This was amazing. As a new mom that wants to foster positivity and thankfulness in my daughter I really appreciated this article.
Christina says
Thank you so much for the kind words. Your daughter sounds lucky to have such a mom in her life!
marciemcheung says
These are so great! My 4yo just participated in his first kid-led food drive with other neighborhood kids and it was a great opportunity to talk about helping others in need.
Christina says
A kid-led food drive is such a great idea! Also a testament that kids are never too young to start!
Joanna Clute says
I saw an Advent calendar that encouraged a different way to give each day. I thought it was a clever way to teach giving.
Christina says
I absolutely love that! I’m going to have to look it up now!
Mimi says
Appreciate what I usually take for granted did wonders for me, helps me live a more positive life now!
Christina says
I completely agree! What an amazing experience when you figure out that just changing your mindset can positively impact your life in so many wonderful ways!
Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome says
I love this, so many great ideas to teach kids gratitude, the game looks fun and kids will definitely love it!
Christina says
Thank you so much! The Gratitude Bingo game has been a huge hit with my daughter and clients!
TheSuperMomLife says
This is one thing that I was sure we needed to teach our children. There is nothing more important!
Christina says
I totally agree! It seems like such a simple concept but it does need to be taught, and can have amazing effects on all areas of their lives!
Heather says
So much thought went into this ad thanks for sharing!
Christina says
Thank you so much! My hope is to reach and help others who are looking for ways to teach their kids to be appreciative!
Leigh Suznovich says
Oh I am saving this for when my husband and I start our family. Love the ideas, it is so important to teach the little ones empathy, gratitude and kindness early on.
Christina says
Thank you so much, Leigh! It is so important, but sounds like your future family is already off to an amazing start in life!