With Thanksgiving around the corner, I started thinking how to incorporate gratitude throughout each day. Of course, most kids don’t know what the word gratitude means so I use “thank you” as a way to describe grateful, or having gratitude.

Then, I find daily opportunities to say thank you –for anything. Here are some ideas you I have. Will you join me this month, the month of giving thanks?

Morning Gratitude

“Thank you, sun for rising!”
In yoga, there is a pose called Sun Salutations. I love that. Say thank you to the sun, and for the day first thing in the morning!

“Thank you for my food.”
Whether or not your belief system includes a higher power, you can say thanks before you eat a meal. Look on Belief Net for examples from different belief systems.

Mid-Day Gratitude

“Thank you”
Model saying thank you ito everyone you encounter both in your home (your husband or wife, and kids) and outside your home (the barrista at Starbucks.)

And, expect your kids to use “please” and “thank you” throughout their day, too.

Gratitude Stories
Share stories about others to teach gratitude.

Evening Gratitude

“To Mom/Dad/Sister/Brother, Thank you for . . . “ 
Write a sticky note to someone else in your family saying “thank you” and leave it on their place at the table.

“Thank you for . . . the day.”
Reflect at bedtime for something good that happened in your day. Consider starting an evening prayer habit.

Expressing gratitude reduces stress and is proven to make people more joyful. I’m glad Thanksgiving reminds me to be grateful, and to teach my kids gratitude practices, aren’t you?

Anytime Gratitude Activities

Chopstick Gratitude Game from Family Fun Magazine

Gratitude Jar Year Around from Living Montessori

Blessing Board from Lee, Me and the Girls

A Giving Tree from Real Housewives of Idaho

What are you up for doing this month? What do you already do with your kids?