Why Gratitude Matters

by: Junior Kindergarten Teachers Elizabeth Dean, Mary Eckenroth and Julie Renne

As teachers, we’ve had the joy of watching young minds grow in countless ways—academically, socially, and emotionally. Gratitude is one of the most powerful qualities we’ve seen blossom in children. It might seem like a small thing, a polite “thank you” or a smile, but gratitude can impact your child’s happiness, resilience, and relationships.

Why Gratitude Matters

Gratitude isn’t just a nice behavior—it’s a skill, and even more importantly, a mindset. Like all skills, it can be taught and practiced at home. Regular reflection builds the habit. Research from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley shows that children who practice gratitude tend to be more optimistic, have better social relationships, and even do better in school. Another study published in School Psychology Review found that grateful children reported greater life satisfaction and lower levels of depression and anxiety. When children learn to focus on what they have, rather than what they lack, they develop emotional strength.

Gratitude Starts at Home: What You Can Do

As parents, you’re your child’s first and most important teacher. You can begin cultivating this mindset early on. Here are some simple ways you can nurture a sense of gratitude in your home:

1. Model It Out Loud
   Children watch and absorb more than we realize. It is powerful to show them how gratitude can be found in small, everyday moments. Saying things like, “I’m grateful the flowers and trees are starting to bloom.” “I appreciate how kind our cashier was.”
2. Start a Gratitude Ritual
   Keep a gratitude jar. Our family keeps a “Good Things” jar on the kitchen counter with post-it notes handy. We spend New Year’s Eve reading about all of the good things that happened to us that year. Keep a small chalkboard on the counter that says “Happiness is…” Family members can grab a piece of chalk and finish the sentence when they feel grateful for simple things like “family movie night”. Younger children can draw a picture of what makes them happy. Make a simple bedtime or dinner table routine where each family member shares one thing they’re thankful for that day.
3. Encourage Thank-You Notes (or Drawings!)
   Taking the time to write a note or make a drawing for a teacher, friend, or family member teaches children to express appreciation.
4. Help Children “Zoom Out”
   When children receive something new, help them think about the bigger picture. For example: “Isn’t it amazing that someone designed this toy, someone built it, and someone delivered it to the store?” This helps children see beyond their own experience and recognize the efforts of others.
5. Turn Challenges into Teachable Moments
   Even when things don’t go perfectly, there are opportunities to reflect. We do this often in our classroom. It’s not about ignoring your child’s feelings, but gently helping them look for the silver lining. If a playdate gets canceled, you might say, “I know that’s disappointing, but I’m grateful we have time to bake cookies together today.”

The Long-Term Gift of Gratitude

Gratitude is more than just manners—it’s a foundation for empathy, generosity, and a positive outlook on life. When we teach our children to be thankful, we’re giving them a gift that will last far beyond their elementary years. We see the difference in our classroom every day. Grateful children tend to be more helpful, more patient, and more connected to their peers. And it all starts with simple, everyday actions at home. Let’s grow grateful hearts together.