Our deepest desire is for our children to experience lasting happiness—a sentiment that resonates at the very core of our existence. Teaching children to feel gratitude is an important emotional component of their happiness.
Gratitude is not innate or something we are born with. It is a learned behavior. When children understand the concept of gratitude and feel its positive feelings, they will build on these feelings in the future.
The Connection Between Happiness and Gratitude:
Gratitude is a heartfelt appreciation for both tangible and intangible gifts. It recognizes the goodness in our lives and acknowledges that this goodness often extends beyond ourselves. In experiencing gratitude, individuals connect with something larger, reinforcing a sense of belonging.
Research shows us that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.
When we experience gratitude, we create positive emotions, improve health, and build strong relationships. This happens at a neurological level in the brain.
“When we feel gratitude, the brain produces oxytocin, a hormone important to bonding. It’s the same hormone that mothers release after birth and is found in breast milk. That feeling of thankfulness helps humans stay close to each other.”
The Science of Gratitude and How Kids Learn to Express It
— Seattle Children’s Hospital (Pulse.SeattleChildrens.org)
By practicing gratitude, we build more robust neural pathways in our brains themselves. For younger children, ways to begin learning gratitude start with how the adults around them model it.
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Practical Tips for Teaching Gratitude in Young Children:
- Teach them to say thank you to you, to their siblings, to friends, and people in their community. Saying Thank You is not a small thing. So many children need to learn this simple tool for expressing gratitude.
- Tell your children why you are grateful. Be specific. It can be as small as gratitude for a beautiful day or enjoying being together.
- Take a gratitude walk together and notice all the joyous sights, smells, and sounds.
- Talk about gratitude as a family. Taking time to reflect on what family members are grateful for at the dinner table or other times during the day is another way families promote gratitude.
- Contribute to family life through age-appropriate tasks in the house or having them help with preparing food for a neighbor or family member.
- Participate in a volunteer or service activity, with half of them saying this has included informal help for neighbors or family members.
- Small Acts of Kindness—Ask your child to think of the people they see daily. It could be the checkout person at the grocery store, the local barista, or your postal worker. Help your children draw a picture or write a note to give to them. You might include a note, too.
Incorporating these practices into daily life helps build a foundation of gratitude in young hearts, shaping their perspectives and fostering a sense of joy and appreciation.
“If you want to find happiness, find gratitude.”
— Steve Marabola
Let’s teach young children the gift of gratitude together!
Elevate your understanding of early childhood education and child development with my engaging preschool education workshops tailored for both teachers and parents. These workshops provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and effective tools to enhance your role in nurturing young minds. Whether you’re an educator or a parent, these sessions aim to empower you with the knowledge and skills essential for fostering a positive learning environment. Dive deeper into the world of preschool education and child development by exploring my workshop offerings. For more valuable content and updates, follow me on Instagram and connect with me on LinkedIn. #EarlyYearsConsult
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