At Kiddie Academy®, helping children develop empathy, kindness, and appreciation is an important part of our curriculum. As we head into Thanksgiving, consider some simple ways you can nurture thankfulness in your everyday life.
Five Simple Ways to Teach Gratitude at Home
1. Build a “thankful moment” into your daily routine.
During meals or at bedtime, invite your child to share something positive about their day. Ask questions like, “What’s one good thing that happened today?” These small reflections help children pause, notice, and appreciate the moments that made them smile.
2. Model gratitude in action.
Children learn by watching the adults around them. Look for natural opportunities to say “thank you”—to a server, teacher, family member, or even your child. Hearing and seeing gratitude in everyday interactions teaches them how to express it themselves.
3. Create a family gratitude jar.
Place a jar in a central spot and encourage each family member to add a note each day or week. At the end of the month, read the notes together. It’s a joyful tradition that highlights the meaningful moments—big and small—that you may otherwise forget.
4. Encourage handwritten thank-you notes.
After receiving a gift or kindness, invite your child to show appreciation in a tangible way. Younger children can draw pictures or dictate their message, while older children can write their own notes. This simple practice builds both gratitude and communication skills.
5. Provide opportunities to help others.
Acts of kindness—donating toys, helping a neighbor, or making cards for a community member—give children the chance to experience the joy of giving. These moments help them understand that gratitude grows when we share with others.
When practiced consistently, these small habits can help children recognize the good around them, express appreciation more naturally, and build a strong foundation of gratitude and empathy. Together we can guide children toward becoming kind, appreciative, and compassionate learners.
