Nurturing a Grateful Heart

By Becky | April 25, 2023

“Thank you!” Just two little words that make us feel appreciated, respected, and loved. Nurture a grateful heart in your child with your own attitude of gratitude.

Children express thankfulness through sharing, taking turns, and being kind to others. Use the tips listed below to enhance gratefulness in your home. Set the expectation bar high for your children to express thankfulness in words and actions.

Nurturing a Grateful Heart

  • Make thankfulness a habit in your home. A grateful heart is a happy heart.
  • Expect children to express gratitude.
  • Model this virtue to your children at the grocery store, family gatherings, school, and other times you and your kids are out and about.
  • Catch your children being thankful and kind. Praise kids for expressing gratitude.
  • Make a “We are Grateful for…” poster. The work of art will be a great conversation starter.
  • Create a Gratitude Journal. Use a small notebook to record what you’re thankful for each day in words and pictures.
  • Dinnertime is a great time to have ongoing gratitude conversations.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1

Here’s my recommended reading list for young children on the topic of gratitude.
Twirl by Emily Lex
1,2,3’s of Thankfulness by Patricia Hegarty
Apple Cake: A Gratitude by Dawn Casey
The Blessings Jar: A Story About Being Thankful by Colleen Coble
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

Related Posts
Gratitude is an Attitude
Encouraging Gratitude: Thank You Notes

© 2023 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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