Practicing Gratitude

Research shows that there are many mental and physical benefits to expressing gratitude. Children who are able to practice grateful thinking have shown improvements in their mental health, are more satisfied with school and their community and display more positive behaviors.  Cultivating gratitude in children not only has individual benefits, but it helps people to feel a better sense of connection and ultimately creates a more compassionate community.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”  
– William Arthur Ward

There are many ways that adults can help youth foster an attitude of gratitude.  One creative way to encourage gratitude is through creation and use of a gratitude jar.  Creating a gratitude jar is a great one-on-one or group activity. Establish a goal of adding something to the jar at least once a month.  This will help children develop a habit of expressing the things and the people they are grateful for.