Simple Ways to Teach Gratitude at Home This Thanksgiving
- Jonna Liban
- Nov 21
- 3 min read
Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday. It’s a special time for families to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the little moments that make life meaningful. For young children, understanding “gratitude” often begins with the simple routines and experiences of daily life. This season provides the perfect opportunity to explore simple ways to teach gratitude at home, helping your kids learn what it means to be thankful in gentle, age-appropriate ways. From everyday activities to family stories and small acts of kindness, these easy practices can nurture a grateful heart that grows with them all year long.
Here are easy, meaningful ways to teach gratitude at home this Thanksgiving.
Model Gratitude in Everyday Moments
Children learn by watching the adults around them. Say “thank you” often, even for small things. “Thank you for helping me pick up your toys,” or “I’m grateful for the sunshine today.”
When your child hears gratitude regularly, it becomes part of their natural language and behavior.
Start a Simple “Thankful Routine”
Create a short daily ritual, like sharing one thing you’re thankful for during breakfast or bedtime. For toddlers and preschoolers, gratitude can be simple:
“I’m thankful for my teddy bear.”
“I’m thankful for apples.”
“I’m thankful for mommy’s hug.”
“I’m thankful for playing with my friend.”
These small reflections help children understand that gratitude is about noticing the good around them.
Create a Family Gratitude Board or Jar
Set up a small board, basket, or jar where family members can add drawings or notes. Children who can’t write yet can draw something that made them happy that day. On Thanksgiving week, read the notes together.
This visual activity helps kids recognize that gratitude can be expressed in many ways, not just with words.
Use Art and Crafts to Show Thankfulness
Creative activities help young children express feelings they can’t put into words.
Some simple ideas include:
Painting what they're thankful for
Making a “thankful turkey” with feathers listing people and things they love
Creating leaf art with gratitude words
Art makes gratitude fun and memorable.
Involve Children in Helping at Home
Let your child participate in small tasks like setting the table, handing out napkins, or helping wash vegetables. When children are given responsibilities, they develop pride and appreciation for teamwork.
After helping, you can say:
“Thank you! You made our dinner extra special.”
This reinforces that gratitude grows from acts of kindness.
Read Books About Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Storytelling is one of the easiest ways to teach life lessons. Choose simple books that highlight kindness, family, sharing, and being thankful.
After reading, ask your child:
“What was the character thankful for?”
“What makes you feel happy today?”
This helps them connect the story to real life.
Celebrate Acts of Kindness
Whenever your child does something kind. Sharing a toy, helping a sibling, or giving a hug. Pause and acknowledge it.
Instead of simply saying “good job,” try:
“That was very kind of you.”
“You made your friend feel happy.”
“Thank you for being thoughtful.”
End the Day with a Gratitude Moment
Before bedtime, sit quietly and reflect together:
What made you smile today?”
“What is one thing you’re thankful for?”
Ending the day with gratitude helps children build emotional awareness and a calm bedtime routine.
Nurturing Thankfulness at Home
Teaching gratitude doesn’t require big lessons or complicated activities. The most meaningful moments happen in small, everyday interactions. A thank-you hug, a shared snack, or a few words of appreciation. This Thanksgiving, celebrate the little things and help your child build a grateful heart that will grow with them through the years.
Wishing your family a warm, joyful, and thankful holiday season.