In a time when many kids carry around the latest and greatest technology or wear the best brands, it may seem they take it for granted, and teaching gratitude can feel like an uphill battle. But despite the challenges you might face in helping kids feel grateful in a world that seems to value overabundance, it can be worthwhile.
Practicing gratitude is a wonderful way to teach children about positivity, empathy, and appreciation for the world around them.
Here are 30 gratitude ideas for kids for every day in November:
- Gratitude journal: Encourage them to write or draw things they are grateful for each day.
- Thank-you notes: Teach them to send thank-you notes for gifts or acts of kindness.
- Family gratitude circle: Share what you’re grateful for during family meals or gatherings.
- Nature appreciation: Explore and appreciate the beauty of nature, like flowers, trees, and animals.
- Acts of kindness: Encourage them to perform small acts of kindness for others.
- Expressing love: Talk about why they’re grateful for their family and friends.
- Positive affirmations: Help them create and repeat positive affirmations daily.
- Gratitude jar: Have them write down things they’re thankful for and add them to a jar.
- Helping others: Volunteer as a family to help those in need.
- Pet appreciation: Discuss the joys of having pets and caring for them.
- Gratitude art: Create artwork that expresses what they’re thankful for.
- Mindful breathing: Teach them to take a few deep breaths and think about something they’re grateful for.
- Family traditions: Share traditions and customs that make them grateful.
- Mealtime thanks: Say a gratitude prayer or share something you’re thankful for before meals.
- Storytime gratitude: Read books about gratitude and discuss them afterward.
- Positive role models: Discuss people who inspire gratitude in their lives.
- Dream board: Create a collage of pictures and words representing their goals and things they’re grateful for.
- Gratitude scavenger hunt: Make a list of things to find or appreciate during a walk or hike.
- Music and dance: Enjoy and discuss music and dance that make them feel happy and thankful.
- Memory lane: Look at old photos and share memories that bring gratitude.
- Compliment game: Compliment each other and express what you appreciate about one another.
- Gratitude rocks: Paint rocks with messages of gratitude and leave them in public places.
- Bedtime gratitude: Share something you’re grateful for at bedtime.
- Collecting moments: Encourage them to collect happy moments and memories.
- Celebrate achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments.
- Gratitude scavenger hunt: Create a list of things to find or appreciate during a walk or hike.
- Act out gratitude: Role-play scenarios where they express gratitude in different situations.
- Movie night: Watch a family movie that emphasizes gratitude and discuss it afterward.
- Gratitude for diversity: Talk about the importance of appreciating people from different backgrounds.
- Gratitude for challenges: Discuss how challenges and setbacks can lead to growth and gratitude.
These activities can help instill a sense of gratitude in children and foster a positive and appreciative outlook on life.