5 Everyday Ways To Teach Your Kids Gratitude (And Why It's So Important)

At the start of 2016, many of us made resolutions to better parent our children in the new year. More than ever, it feels important to help our kids develop tools that will allow them to grow into conscious, healthy adults. One of the most important skills for lifelong emotional well-being? Gratitude.

As a psychiatrist and mother of two young children, gratitude is both professionally and personally important to me. I witness in my adult patients the challenges of learning new skills later in life and the many potential benefits of instilling mindfulness and gratitude practices from a young age.

With my own children, I appreciate how easily they can understand the idea of gratitude and how it contributes to their overall sense of well-being and happiness. With just a little bit of practice and encouragement, children can readily grasp gratitude. This helps them to build a solid foundation for mental health as they grow into adulthood.

Children will often spontaneously share a toy or friendly words with a teacher, friend, or relative. Notice when children are acting or speaking in a kind manner and say out loud how much you value their kindness.

Nature allows children and adults alike to slow down from the constant stimulation of day-to-day life. At a slower pace, we can become more mindful and use our senses to notice all of the beauty in the world around us. We can feel grateful for the cool, shady trees or the colors of a vivid sunset.

After a meal, bath time and a story, children are often more relaxed and open to connection with parents. Use this time as an opportunity to reflect on the “highs” and “lows” of the day.

Removing toys, electronics, and books from the table can help children focus on their food and use all of their senses to enjoy and appreciate their meal as they eat.

Volunteering can help children realize how fortunate they are, by giving them the opportunity to help those less fortunate. Children may have an inherent compassion for a particular cause. For example, some might feel strongly about protecting the environment; others may feel strongly toward protecting animals.

Consider your children’s natural interests and discover ways of helping that are age-appropriate. Ideas include raising money for a local animal shelter, helping out at a food bank or soup kitchen, or even running a 5K to raise money for a particular cause that touches your child’s heart.