Gratitude changes attitude.
Whether you’ve just heard the phrase or you’ve found yourself repeating to your own kids at some point, it’s hard to dispute the truth of it: gratitude DOES change attitude. A sure-hearted way to turn around a funky attitude or any feelings of discontent is to instead remind ourselves of things we have to be grateful for.
While this is a great practice for adults to incorporate into their daily rhythms, it is just as important for kids to learn the importance of giving thanks to God and practicing gratitude throughout their day. By equipping them to walk in thankfulness and gratitude, they can be reminded of God’s faithfulness in ALL circumstances, even when things don’t go the way they’d like.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
So how do we “cultivate gratitude” in little ones? What are some practical ways to help them live a life of thankfulness? Check out the suggestions below!
1. Gratitude Prompts
Encourage kids to make it a daily, consistent ritual to name things they are grateful for. This could be first thing in the morning before school, at the dinner table, or before bedtime. Have them pick a few different prompts, talk it through, and use it as an opportunity to point back to a God who abundantly blesses those who love Him.
READ HERE2. Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal is a great way for older kids to put pen to paper and list out the things they have to be thankful for. This is also a valuable way for them to work through their thoughts and emotions and remember all God has done for them. This journal includes free printables with lots of prompts, but there are many available online!
READ HERE3. Gratitude Rocks
Painting rocks are always a fun, hands-on activity for kids, but add some significance to it by making them GRATITUDE rocks. As kids paint and decorate the rocks, have them also add various things they are thankful for. When you are done, you can place them on tables or around the house as decor or add them to your garden outside to always be reminded of what your kids are thankful for.
READ HERE4. Gratitude Kindness Notes
It might be easy to list out all the THINGS kids are grateful for, but challenge them to think of WHO they are grateful for and WHY. Take it a step further and have them write special notes to these special people and mail or hand deliver them. This is such a great way to acknowledge the community God surrounds us with and how He desires for us to walk through life together.
READ HERE5. Gratitude Skittles Game
This is sure to be a favorite for all kids, but the Skittles game is a great, tangible way to simplify gratitude. Just grab some skittles, print out the printables on the website, and enjoy this fun game as a family. Sit around a table together and talk about the abundant blessings God has given them.
READ HEREAll of these activities should serve one purpose – to point back to God. May our kids be encouraged and reminded that while the “gifts” and “blessings” are nice, it is the Giver and Blesser – God, our Father – who is above all of it. When we acknowledge Him first, we can more clearly cultivate gratitude and have eyes to see the abundant life we have in Him.
By: Stacey Mensik
Stacey Mensik
Stacey is the Creative Content Coordinator for Hillside Community Church, which means she loves writing, editing and all things social media. When not working, she spends her time reading, drinking coffee, and shuttling her kids around to all of their activities.
Stacey Mensik
Stacey is the Creative Content Coordinator for Hillside Community Church, which means she loves writing, editing and all things social media. When not working, she spends her time reading, drinking coffee, and shuttling her kids around to all of their activities.