Practicing Gratitude: Helping Children and Teens Notice the Good

With Thanksgiving approaching, November is a natural time to reflect on the things we are

grateful for. While we often think of gratitude as something we practice around the holidays,

research suggests that it can have positive effects on our mental health throughout the year.

Gratitude is something that has been studied quite a bit in the field of positive psychology.

Research suggests that simple activities, like keeping a gratitude journal or taking time to reflect on things we're thankful for, can help improve our mood and overall well-being. In a study of early adolescents, Froh, Sefick, and Emmons (2008) found that those who practiced gratitude reported feeling more optimistic and satisfied with their lives, including their experiences at school.

For children and teens, practicing gratitude can be a helpful way to recognize the positive

experiences and relationships in their lives. However, it is important to remember that gratitude does not mean always being happy or ignoring difficult feelings.

For example, if a child comes home upset after a difficult day at school, immediately reminding them of everything they have to be thankful for may leave them feeling misunderstood. Instead, parents can first acknowledge how their child is feeling and, when appropriate, help them reflect on something that made the day a little easier. A child can feel frustrated about something that happened at school while also feeling thankful for a friend who was there to support them.

So how can parents help children practice gratitude?

There are several simple ways to encourage gratitude at home:

• Model gratitude. Children learn by watching the adults around them. Take opportunities

to express appreciation for others and acknowledge the things you are thankful for.

• Talk about the good moments. During dinner or before bed, ask your child about

something that made them smile, laugh, or someone who was kind to them that day.

• Find creative ways to express appreciation. Younger children may enjoy drawing

pictures or making cards for people they appreciate, while older children and teens may

prefer writing or journaling.

• Don't force it. Gratitude is most meaningful when it comes naturally. If your child is

having a difficult day, it is okay to focus on their feelings rather than asking them to find

something positive.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, consider finding small ways to practice gratitude as a family. It doesn't have to be a big activity or something you do every day. Sometimes, simply taking a moment to recognize the people and experiences we appreciate can be a good place to start.

References

Froh, J. J., Sefick, W. J., & Emmons, R. A. (2008). Counting blessings in early adolescents: An experimental study of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of School Psychology, 46(2), 213–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2007.03.005

Hussong, A. M., et al. (2019). Raising grateful children one day at a time. Applied

Developmental Science, 23(4), 371–384. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2018.1441713