Hi Alexandra,

A few weeks ago, my daughter surprised me. Out of nowhere, she handed me a handwritten note: “Thank you for helping me with my project, Mom.” Simple as it was, it hit me right in the heart.

We’ve all been there, hoping our kids will someday recognize all the unseen work we do as parents. But here's the thing—gratitude doesn’t just happen. It’s a learned skill, nurtured by experience, reflection, and guidance.

But, this past Thanksgiving, I found myself reflecting on the difference between being thankful and being grateful. The two words are often used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. Being thankful is about acknowledging something good in the moment—like appreciating a delicious meal or a thoughtful gesture. But being grateful runs deeper; it’s about cultivating a lasting sense of appreciation for the bigger picture, even amidst challenges.

Gratitude takes the momentary feeling of being thankful and turns it into a sustained practice.

So, here’s what I want to share this week: gratefulness is a habit we can cultivate in our kids.

And like any habit, it starts small—with deliberate actions and moments of connection.

The Foundations of Gratitude

Gratitude isn’t about forcing a “thank you” every time someone hands us a cookie. True gratitude runs deeper. It’s about:

• Noticing: Recognizing the good in our lives and the people who contribute to it.
• Feeling: Allowing ourselves to sit with a sense of appreciation.
• Expressing: Sharing those feelings with others through words or actions.

The challenge is that kids aren’t born knowing how to do this. But they do learn by watching us.

How to Help Kids Build a Gratitude Habit

Here’s how we can pepper in little moments of gratitude every day:

📝 Model Gratitude in Action: Let your kids catch you in the act of being grateful. For example, thank your partner for making dinner or tell your child you’re grateful for their help cleaning up.

🧠 Pause to Reflect: Create a nightly ritual, like sharing one thing you’re grateful for before bedtime. This doesn’t have to be big—it can be as simple as appreciating how the dog made you laugh that day.

🌟 Connect Gratitude to Giving: Encourage acts of kindness, like making cards for grandparents or donating toys to kids in need. Gratitude often grows when we think of others.

📖 Share Stories About Gratitude: Read books that highlight characters showing appreciation for others or overcoming challenges with a grateful heart.

🔄 Reframe Negative Moments: Teach kids to find the silver lining. Spilled milk? An opportunity to learn how to clean up. A tough test? A chance to build resilience.

Why Gratitude Matters

We live in a world filled with comparison—social media, academic pressures, you name it. Gratitude is the antidote.

Research shows that practicing gratitude helps kids develop stronger relationships, better mental health, and even improved academic performance. It’s a life skill that builds resilience and contentment.

Let’s Flip the Script

This holiday season, let’s shift from “What do you want?” to “What are you grateful for?” Small habits—like a sticky note on the fridge or a thoughtful conversation—can have a big impact.

Gratitude grows over time, leaving a lasting imprint far beyond any gift.

Recommended Reads:

📚 “Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World” by Kristen Welch
This insightful book offers practical advice for fostering gratitude in a world that often encourages entitlement.

📖 Article: “Why Everyone is Telling You To Be Grateful” from Psychology Today.

Let me know—how do you cultivate gratitude in your family? Hit reply; I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time,

​
Alexandra

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