Growing with Gratitude: Conversation starters for kids about thankfulness
‘Tis the season to be grateful for all that you have. Since almost the beginning of the year, everyone has spent more time than normal with their families. Don’t forget to take the time to express your thankfulness and encourage your kiddos to do the same.
As parents, we want to raise thankful kids. As soon as our little ones learn to talk, we are always reminding them to say, “thank you.” But, beyond basic manners, how can we help them grow in a true attitude of gratitude? How can we help our kiddos root themselves in giving thanks?
Talk with Your Kids
When you are talking to your kids about gratitude, start small. Talk about daily experiences which may have led to a great day. Whether it is watching their favorite show, a video call with a close friend/ family member or even a great grade on a spelling test, it can be a good practice to reflect on all of those moments. If you started a time capsule at the beginning of the year, that could be a great way to help your little ones reflect on past memories that make them happy.
Head, Heart & Hands
Simply put, it’s teaching your child how to experience gratitude from head, to heart, to hands. Giving kids the opportunity to talk, think, and act on their thankfulness helps build the habit of appreciation. From car chats to refrigerator reminders, here are a few questions you can use as conversation starters with your kids:
Head ->Think
- Have your kids think about times that made a difference to them:
- Spending time with their family members – playing games, talking or reading together
- Playing games with friends
- Learning a new skill, whether it’s tying a shoe, coloring within the lines or making their favorite lunch
Heart ->Feel
- How does it make you feel when you can spend or have fun experiences with close family members or friends?
- How does it make you feel when a friend or family member needs your help and you are able to help them?
- How does it make you feel when you make someone smile with something you have done: helping a friend with classwork, making someone a card, telling them how much you care?
Hands ->Actions
- What can you do in school to help someone or show kindness?
- What can you do at home to show your family how much you care and appreciate them?
Encourage your children to bring real thanks to the Thanksgiving table. Our Gratitude Box is a great craft to help kids stay thankful, plus it makes a special handmade centerpiece or giftable keepsake.
By talking with your kids and giving them opportunities to show their gratefulness, you’re helping them recognize the power of gratitude.