Building the Habit of Gratitude

Gratitude. Thankfulness. This is the time of year when we hear these words most often. A built in time to work on the habit for kids and parents alike. There are plenty of simple strategies or activities out there to build this discipline into the everyday rhythm of life.

So I thought we could share a few together.

Daily lists of thanks

I really believe this is an important habit to introduce. Kids write down new blessings every day. At the end of the season they have an incredible, tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness in their family’s life.

This can look several different ways.

A Simple List

Daily writing down what you’re thankful for. You can find free Thanksgiving themed list sheets here and here. I got mine from A Simpler Season by Jessica Fisher. (A holiday planner ebook with printables for the entire holiday season.)

The Thanksgiving Tree

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I LOVE this idea. Every day, you write down something you’re thankful for on a cut out of a leaf, and attach it to the branches of your tree. This could look like a real tree (think a large branch secured in a pot) or a cut out on your wall.

Counting gifts

For the Voskamps, gratitude is a year long, moment by moment pursuit. On her blog aholyexperience.com, Ann has several free printables so that you and your family can count all of God’s good gifts in your life. (Scroll down to the bottom of this post for links to the printables.)

The Thanksgiving chain

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This is very much like the construction paper chains we all made for the holidays in grade school. Except it starts as just one loop, with something you’re thankful for written on it. And each day, members of the family add a new loop, with a new item of thanks. Each day the chain gets longer and filled with more and more blessings to count.

Blessing those who have less

Nothing reminds me of how blessed we are like remembering those who are less fortunate. And when kids reach out and give to other kids in need, it drives the point home for them too. When we bless others, we are blessed too!

Operation Christmas Child

Get in on this! Pack a shoebox with small toys, toiletry items or other treats, and bring it to a OCC pick up location near you. (Pick ups in most locations occur the week before Thanksgiving.) Many churches are drop off locations, or you can usually find brochures with all the how to at Chick-fila.

That goodie filled box will be filled with something even greater, the gospel in their own language, and delivered to a very needy child across the world!

Sponsor a child

To become a regular source of help and encouragement in a child’s life, consider sponsoring a child with Compassion International or World Vision. Then you can participate in this kind of giving all year long, praying for your sponsor child, exchanging letters, and getting your kids invested in helping someone else.

My daughter really loves writing to our sponsor child in Ethiopia, sending cards and picking out special gifts for her at Christmas and birthdays.

And of course, there are opportunities in your own community too. Just look for ways to serve. I’m praying that God will open my family’s eyes to the need around us, and help us step out of our comfort zone to give of ourselves and our resources.

I know you all probably have a slew of other great ideas for growing gratitude in your kids. Please share!

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