During the holiday season, our thoughts naturally turn toward thankfulness. But gratitude isn’t just for November. It’s a life skill that helps children develop empathy, optimism, and resilience year-round. When kids learn to notice what they have, rather than focus on what’s missing, they build a foundation for emotional well-being and stronger relationships.
Last year, Oregon Kid’s own Emily Park wrote “How To Teach Gratitude To Kids”. This is an excellent guide with activities to encourage gratitude. Now, let’s explore more options on the topic.
Model Gratitude Every Day
Children learn most from what they see, not what they’re told. When you thank the grocery clerk, express appreciation for your partner’s help, or point out something beautiful on a walk, your child sees how gratitude can be woven into ordinary life.
Instead of focusing only on “thank-yous,” explain why you’re grateful:
- “I’m really thankful for the neighbor who helped shovel our sidewalk. That was so thoughtful.”
- “I appreciate that you cleaned up without being asked. It made our morning easier.”
When kids see that gratitude is specific, sincere, and ongoing, they begin to adopt it as part of their own worldview.
Fun Ways to Foster Gratitude in Kids
Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Turn thankfulness into a playful challenge like a Gratitude Scavenger Hunt. Create a list of things to “find” that make your child feel grateful, something that smells good, something that makes them smile, someone who helps others, or a favorite cozy spot. Afterward, talk about why those things matter to them.
Gratitude Storytime
Pick books where characters show kindness, generosity, or appreciation, and have a Gratitude Storytime. After reading, ask your child what the character might have been thankful for and why. This simple reflection helps children connect gratitude with empathy and storytelling.
“Kindness Coupons” Craft
Have your child create a booklet of coupons offering acts of kindness, such as helping a sibling with chores, giving a hug, reading a story to a grandparent, or making someone laugh. Encourage them to “redeem” their coupons throughout the month, and reflect afterward on how it felt to give.
The “Three Good Things” Game
Before bedtime, take turns naming three good things that happened during the day, big or small. Encourage your child to think about why each thing was meaningful. This helps them end each day with positivity and mindfulness.
Volunteer Together
Helping others is one of the most effective ways to nurture gratitude. Volunteer as a family at a food pantry, community garden, or local fundraiser around Portland. Check out Hands on Greater Portland for places for your family to volunteer. Afterward, talk about what you experienced and how giving back made you feel.
Keep It Consistent and Real
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges; it’s about helping kids see the good that exists alongside the hard parts. Some days, thankfulness may feel effortless; on other days, it may require a little intention.
By creating regular moments to reflect on gratitude, through words, play, creativity, and giving, children learn to recognize abundance in their everyday lives. Over time, they grow into adults who approach the world with appreciation, empathy, and a sense of grace.
Johanna is married with two kids, three dogs, three cats, one leopard gecko, several chickens, and a few fish. She has been in the Pacific Northwest since the dream was alive in the 90s but has Southern roots and hails from Arkansas. The family spends a lot of time at some sort of sporting event for the kids. Johanna likes to fast craft, garden, host parties, and bake. Johanna and her crew go hard traveling, DIY-ing, and are always up for a new adventure or challenge.