4 Simple Activities to Practice Gratitude with Your Kids During the Holidays (or Any Time of Year)
‘Tis the season for giving thanks and practicing gratitude. The word gratitude can be such a big concept for children, so I’m here to simplify it for you to make it fun and kid-friendly. Here are four simple activities to practice gratitude with your little ones this holiday season (or any time of year)!
4 Ways to Teach Gratitude to Children
- 5 Finger Maple Breathing
- Grateful Maple Exercise
- Gratitude Bell Pass
- Gratitude Jar
5 Finger Maple Breathing:
Hold up your hands like two maple leaves! Using your opposite pointer finger, trace up each finger as you breathe in, and breathe out as your trace down. Think about what you’re grateful for/what makes you happy as you breathe together.
Grateful Maple Exercise:
This one comes straight from my “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck. Trace your hand on a piece of paper to create your own maple leaf! On each of the five lobes (your fingers), write down something or someone you’re grateful for. You can write for them if need be, or even have them draw pictures instead!
Gratitude Bell Pass:
This one is great for a group of kids such as in school or yoga class! Sit in a circle and pass a bell around. When it’s your turn, ring the bell and share something you are grateful for. Bonus: Can you share why you’re grateful for XYZ? “I am grateful for_____because….”
Make a Gratitude Jar:
Kids love creating daily rituals! Each day, you’ll write down something you’re grateful for and pop it in a mason jar/nonbreakable plastic jar. Feel free to decorate your family gratitude jar with glitter, paint or stickers!
For more mindful tips, check out my “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck with nature-based artwork, feel-good messages and 35 mindful activities for little ones.
