“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” A.A. Milne
Our teachers are participating in a #Thankful30 Gratitude Challenge this month! We want to invite you and your family to join us on a thirty-day journey of sharing or journaling your gratitude.
Why A Gratitude Challenge?
Did you know that studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood AND immunity? (And don’t we all need some more of that now that the cold weather has arrived to stay!) It also decreases depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease! (Source.) As Mayo Clinic says, if you could get all these benefits in a pill, everyone would be taking it!
Consider keeping a photo journal of what you’re grateful for, sharing it on social media if you feel comfortable with that. Many people also find they enjoy writing in a gratitude journal. Post stick-it notes around your house or in your office reminding you of what you’re grateful for and keep a stack of thank you cards nearby and take a little time to send a note of thanks to a friend, colleague, partner or your child!
Gratitude Benefits for Children
French philosopher Jacques Maritain is credited with stating that, “Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.” Grace and courtesy lessons are an important part of the Montessori philosophy, as we see that they increase positive emotions and happiness that a child experiences, as well as promoting respect, empathy and an appreciation for their environment and world.
Young children are developmentally self-focused, but by the age of about five, gratitude is already associated with the happiness of the child! (Source.) It is still important to encourage and provide an environment where gratitude is fostered, regardless of a child’s stage of development.
Studies show that children who learn gratitude at a young age are likely to grow up to be happier adults. It is important that parents and caregivers encourage positive thoughts and emotions in children (including gratitude). One way to do this, says a Christine Carter of Berkeley, is to incorporate rituals that encourage children to express gratitude and thankfulness. Slowing down in order to really “savor” life’s pleasures is also important. “Making such slow-down-and-enjoy-life time habitual in childhood will make for a happier child and form habits for a happier adulthood.” (Source)
Encouraging Gratitude in Children
As the saying goes, it is better “caught” than “taught”! How you choose to model and encourage gratitude will change based on the age of your child, but you can start by noticing and vocalizing your appreciation for things around you. Maybe it is a kind word spoken by a clerk, a scenic view, an acknowledgement of something your partner did for you, an appreciation of your child’s smile or eagerness to give a helping hand. It may be as simple as pointing out how grateful you are for conveniences you take for granted every day: electricity, running (clean) water, a car. Or it could be stating your gratitude for your job or your home!
You can also invite your child to act on your appreciation. Send a thank you note to someone special and ask your child to add their artwork to the card. Make cookies for a friend and have your child help mix the ingredients. Invite your child along to purchase a small gift to appreciate your child’s teacher (don’t wait until Teacher Appreciation Week!). Leave a snack out for your delivery man. Buy donuts for your local emergency services teams (police department, fire department, etc.).
If your child is old enough, encourage them to think of ways to appreciate the people and things around them!
Consider putting up a “Gratitude Tree” in your home. It could be as simple as a branch placed in a bucket of pebbles to stabilize it, then cutting out leaf-shaped papers, hole punching them and running a thread through them. When you or your child think of something you’re grateful for, write it down on the leaf cutout then hang it on the “tree”!
For more inspiration, check out this gratitude challenge for kids complete with suggestions for activities to do together as a family!
