We asked the toddlers of One Day A what they were thankful for this week… and the responses were adorable!
“I’m thankful for going outside”
– MJ, Age 3
“I am thankful for PopPop”
– Savannah, Age 2
“I am thankful for my family and kids”
-Savvy, Age 2.5
“Baby Wyatt”
-Willa, Age 2
“My giraffe”
-Jordyn, Age 2
“I am grateful because I love my dog, toys and mom and dad!”
-Emilio, Age 3
“Lots of stuffies and lots of kissing”
-Finn, Age 2
“I’m thankful for the rain and for cookies… can I have a cookie?”
-Addie, Age 2.5
“I’m thankful for momma and excavators.”
-Van, Age 2.5
“I am thankful for my family.”
-Riley, Age 2
As parents, we all want our kids to grow up to be kind, thoughtful, and compassionate people. Teaching kids to appreciate what they have—and express that appreciation—doesn’t just happen on its own. It’s a skill that needs to be nurtured. One of the best ways to do this is by modeling and teaching gratitude!
While easy to forget, gratitude is a simple mindfulness activity that greatly benefits both adults and children. Developmental specialists have found that children can begin to express and understand gratitude as early as two years old! Research has shown that children who understand and practice gratitude have improved physical and psychological well being, including better academic performance and better sleep!
Gratitude is about more than saying “thank you.” It encourages kids (and us!) to focus on the positive, recognize the good around us, and appreciate the people and things around us that make our lives easier. Focusing on gratitude can shift a negative mindset and bring a new perspective away from the longing for what you don’t have and towards contentment with what you DO have.
Here are a few tips to teach your kiddo about gratitude.
1. Model It Yourself
Simple phrases like, “I’m so grateful we have time to play today,” or “I really appreciate how you helped with the dishes,” reinforces gratitude as a part of daily life.
2. Make It a Daily Habit
Ask your child every night before bed, “What was one thing you’re grateful for today?” Keep it light and open-ended—there’s no wrong answer, and the goal is simply to get them thinking about the positives in their day.
3. Create a Gratitude Jar
Get a big jar and some colorful paper or sticky notes. Each day, have your child write (or draw, depending on their age) something they’re grateful for and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week or month, read through the notes together—it’s a great way to visually see the many things they appreciate.
4. Encourage Thank-You Notes
Taking the time to write (or color) a thank-you note together teaches kids that gratitude goes beyond a quick “thanks.” Whether it’s after a birthday party, receiving a gift, or just a kind gesture from a friend, encourage your child to express their thanks creatively. This is a fun way to reinforce the idea that gratitude is an active practice, not just a feeling.
5. Focus On Experiences
Remember to highlight the joy of experiences like time spent together, family traditions, outdoor adventures, or just simple moments of connection. Talk about how those experiences are something to be grateful for, even if there’s no physical object to show for it.
6. Be In The Moment
Teach your child to appreciate the present moment, whether it’s noticing the beauty of a sunset, savoring the taste of a favorite snack, or simply giving each other a big hug. You can even do short mindfulness exercises together, such as closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths, then sharing what you’re thankful for in that moment.
Instilling a sense of gratitude in your child isn’t something that happens overnight, and that’s okay. It’s a habit that takes time to develop, and the more you model it, the more it will become a natural part of their everyday life. So be patient, celebrate the small wins, and most importantly, have fun with it! Remember, even if they don’t say it, they ARE grateful for you!