Why Teaching Gratitude May Be the Best Parenting Move You Ever Make

In a world where instant gratification is the norm and material abundance is often taken for granted, teaching children the value of gratitude has never been more vital. Whilst most adults would agree that good manners and saying "thank you” is important, gratitude is about much more than that. It's a mindset that shapes how children see themselves, their relationships and the world around them. 

In the past, I’ve always thought of gratitude as a ‘nice to have’ rather than as essential life skill. But with the more children I have taught and perhaps even more so, when raising my own children, I’ve learned that cultivating gratitude may well be one of the most powerful moves we can make as parents.

Why is teaching gratitude so important?

• Builds Empathy and Improves Relationships - Children who practice gratitude are more attuned to the feelings and needs of others. 

• Reduces Entitlement - Gratitude helps children understand that things - whether gifts, time or help - come through effort. 

• Encourages Positive Behaviour - When a child understands the time and effort that goes into something, they become more inclined to give back and show appreciation. 

• Boosts Resilience - When children are taught to focus on what they have - rather than what they lack - they develop a more grounded and resilient mindset, helping them navigate stress, setbacks and disappointment.

• Increases Happiness - Gratitude and happiness go hand in hand. Research shows that children who regularly express gratitude are more optimistic and have a greater sense of wellbeing.

• Reduces Negative Emotions - Children who regularly practice gratitude tend to have reduced feelings of envy, frustration and sadness. 

Family enjoying a moment together.

What happens when gratitude is lacking?

It’s really easy, natural in fact, for children to feel like the world revolves entirely around them, especially if they have particularly attentive parents. That’s not a bad thing by the way, but if you’re feeling like your child expects expect constant attention or rewards, gratitude practise can be a great way forward. Before I learned about the importance of gratitude practise with my own children, my two would fall into a cycle of always wanting more. Again, not their fault, why wouldn’t you ask for more toys or more treats whenever you leave the house if you don’t fully understand or appreciate their worth?

Any other bonuses to practising gratitude with our children?

Practising gratitude has a positive impact on our mental and physical health too! Adults who regularly practice gratitude report better sleep, more energy and fewer health issues.

Gratitude is a skill - and like all skills, it must be nurtured through example, conversation and practice. By teaching gratitude early, we’re not just raising happier children - we’re shaping better adults, better citizens and ultimately, a better world.

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