Parenting toddlers and young kiddos is a wild ride filled with snack negotiations, neverending “why” questions, and the occasional tantrum over the absolutely horrible and unacceptable way you peel a banana. Teaching gratitude might feel like an unattainable goal—but trust us, it’s worth it. Gratitude doesn’t just make kids more pleasant to be around (a win for the world), it also helps them develop empathy, resilience, and a generally more positive outlook on life. Plus, modeling gratitude as a parent is a great reminder to yourself to appreciate the little wins (like finishing your coffee while it’s still hot, woot woot!).
Start Small
Teaching gratitude doesn’t have to be about big gestures. Start by encouraging your toddler to say “thank you” in everyday situations. Did their friend share a toy? “Thank you.” Did you hand them their fifth snack of the morning? Yep, that deserves a “thank you,” too. Modeling this behavior is key—they’ll learn by watching you.
When your toddler says “thank you” unprompted, take a moment to celebrate internally and externally. You’re crushing this already!
Model Gratitude Yourself
This one might be the MOST important. Kids are truly little sponges—they pick up on your habits and moods (yes, even that frustrated half-swear word when you pinch yourself cleaning magnatiles). Saying thank you to your partner, the barista, the stranger that holds the door for you as you struggle in with your stroller, and especially your child, shows them how it’s done. Most importantly, take a moment to show yourself some grace. You’re doing the hardest job in the world, and you’re doing it with love and patience (even when sometimes that patience wears a bit thin).
Create a Routine Together
Build a simple gratitude ritual into your daily routine together. During dinner or bedtime, ask your child what made them happy that day and why they’re thankful for it. Don’t be surprised if the answer is something like “my yellow bulldozer” or “Bluey.” Gratitude doesn’t have to be deep, it just has to be noticed.
Share what made you happy, too—like the little smile after a car seat meltdown that reminded you that they’re your everything, even after a touch of chaos.
Read Stories About Gratitude
Books are a great tool to teach kids big ideas that might be harder to articulate in your day to day. Pick up a few books about kindness and gratitude to read together. Books like The Crayons Give Thanks, Llama Llama Gives Thanks, and From Pups to Grown Ups can make abstract concepts like “being thankful” more tangible for little ones.
Encourage Giving Back
Even toddlers can practice generosity in simple ways. Have your child help you pick out toys or clothes to donate to other kids, or let them draw pictures to give to friends and family. Explain how these small acts of kindness make others feel good. One thing to note, sharing is a kindergarten skill so don’t sweat it if you’re kiddo isn’t ready to part with their stuff just yet. It’s still good practice to start these conversations!
Create a Gratitude Craft
Who doesn’t love an adorable toddler art project? Making a “gratitude jar” where you write down things you’re thankful for together and drop them in is another great way to incorporate a fun and tactile approach to teaching gratitude. Let your little one add scribbles, stickers, or their own (perhaps interpretive?) words. It really is a fun way to make gratitude hands-on and whenever you or your kiddo might be having a bad day, bring the jar out to take a peek and remember what’s really important.
Celebrate the Little Wins
Gratitude doesn’t have to be reserved for November. Celebrating the little things with your kids means you’re teaching them that happiness is all around. It’s not about turning your kiddos into little saints, even though that could be nice, it’s about working that gratitude muscle together. It’s a skill that grows with time and with your help they’ll notice more of the good in the world and that’s something to really be grateful for.
