Four Activities to Teach Your Child Gratitude and Compassion
Pictures of:
- Child drawing/writing/creating a card
- child/teen helping a neighbor (raking, shoveling, carrying groceries, etc)
Four Activities to Teach Your Child Gratitude and Compassion
Not Your Average Thank You—Ways Your Kids Can Share The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude Means More Than “Thank You”
Ever wonder why some kids just glow with happiness and kindness? You know what I’m talking about—that young child who’s always smiling, the teenager who always seems to be helping someone out and doing the right thing. I think we all want our kids to be like that—kind, thoughtful, present.
That, my friends, is where gratitude and compassion come in. And these qualities mean way more than just being polite at the dinner table or saying “thank you” on autopilot. The practice of gratitude is something that is essential for us to share with our children.
Teaching empathy to kids, along with gratitude and compassion, is so important. In fact, recent studies show there are tons of benefits (think: improved mood, better relationships, positive emotions, mindfulness, and even better sleep!) behind raising grateful children, and that gratitude can light up a child’s emotional world, helping them build deeper connections and greater happiness from the inside out.
I know the importance of gratitude and compassion as an adult. When you live your life with a grateful mindset, you are sharing positive vibes with others and attracting abundance and happiness for yourself. Who doesn’t want that for their kids? That’s why I’m always asking my own children questions like, “What are you grateful for today?” and “How can you make someone’s day a little brighter?”
Today, I’m sharing four fun, meaningful activities that you can turn to when you want to focus more on gratitude with your family. Because honestly, our world could use a bit more kindness, don’t you think?
Four Fun Ways to Help Your Child Spread Gratitude and Compassion
When you add these moments of gratitude into your family life regularly, you’re not just teaching your kids an important life skill—you’re setting them up to see real benefits. And these benefits aren’t just for them but for everyone they reach with their acts of kindness.
Ready to get started with some fun and easy activities that teach compassion and gratitude?
Four Ways Your Child Can Learn To Use Their Talents To Enhance Others’ Lives
- __Have your child share with you how they will make something to make another person feel good. __
The What: Encourage your child to use their talents—like drawing, baking, or crafting—to create something special for someone else. It could be a picture for a neighbor or cookies for friends.
The Why: This activity teaches your kids that their unique talents can spread joy. It helps them see the value of giving and the positive effect it can have on others, and that just by showing up as themselves, they can make a difference.
- Have your child share with you an action they can do to make a person smile.
The What: Talk with your child about what actions they can take to brighten someone’s day. This might be helping a neighbor carry groceries or teaching a younger sibling a new skill, like a dance move or how to ride a bike.
The Why: Acts of kindness like these are a great way to show your child the joy of helping others. Ask them questions like, “How do you think so-and-so felt when you helped her with her groceries?” “How do you feel as a big brother helping your little sister like that?” This opens up a conversation about empathy and community. This will strengthen your child’s understanding of kindness and connection. Isn’t it cool how a simple act can spread so much happiness?
- __Write a card to a stranger. __
The What: Have your child create a card with kind words and affirmations like “Hope you have a great day!” or “You’re doing awesome!” Let them decorate and place the cards in spots around town, like a local coffee shop or a park bench.
The Why: This teaches your child that small gestures can make a big impact. Ask them to imagine how someone might feel finding their card. It’s a simple way to introduce them to the joy of giving without expecting anything in return.
- Ask your child to surprise a neighbor or friend by offering to help them.
The What: Talk with your child about ways they can help out a neighbor or friend. Maybe it’s showing up to help with yard work, bringing over breakfast, or even walking their dog during a busy week.
The Why: Helping others not only makes their day better but also nurtures your child’s sense of community and responsibility. Talk with them about how their actions can make a big difference and ask, “How do you think it makes someone feel when you show up to help?”
I’ve always told my own children that you raise your vibration when you’re grateful for the things that you have in your life.
And by sharing this sense of gratitude with your children, you inspire them to appreciate what they have in their own life and to extend that gratitude to others. It’s a beautiful cycle of positivity that starts right at home with simple acts of thankfulness.