A girl playing in a toy kitchen

Thoughtful thankfulness

is a terrific Superpower for kids
and parents to grow

In this blog post, Certified Play Therapist Natalie Bergman
shares tips for parents to help their child grow
their gratitude skills

Gratitude impacts our well-being

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a good time to slow down and reflect on the importance of understanding “thank you” with your kids.

In today’s busy world, “thank you” often becomes automatic, losing its true meaning. Do you remember what you were saying “thank you” for today? I assume for many things, but were you truly thankful?

Receiving gratitude conveys a warm feeling to the person who receives it. But gratitude also has powerful effects on the person who offers it.

Did you know that science has proved that practicing genuine gratitude can have a powerful impact on your child’s emotional well-being?

Research shows that expressing genuine gratitude improves mental health, strengthens relationships, and boosts happiness (Sansone & Sansone, 2010). By regularly acknowledging the things they are thankful for, children can cultivate a sense of happiness and contentment, which can reduce anxiety and negative thinking. As parents and caregivers, you have the opportunity to teach the true meaning of gratitude — not just as a polite phrase but as an expression of genuine appreciation.

4 Ways to teach gratitude to your child

1. Slow down.

Encourage your child to pause and think about why they are thankful before saying “thank you.”

2. Be specific.

Help your child express exactly what they are grateful for, like:

“Thank you for playing with me today! I liked how you showed me cool tricks to find the right puzzle piece.”

3. Make gratitude a habit.

Start a daily gratitude practice, like sharing one thing you’re thankful for at dinner.

4. Model gratitude.

Show your child how to be curious about positive aspects. You can play being a “thank you detective” to find special sparkle in everyday life. Show your ”tiny turkey” what giving and receiving heartfelt gratitude feels like. Albert Bandura’s social learning theory emphasizes that children imitate behaviours they see in adults.

Never mind the turkey

This Thanksgiving, let’s teach our kids that “thank you” is more than just words — it’s a way to share and truly appreciate the people and moments that matter.

References

Meet the author

Natalie Bergman, MA, RPsych, CPT
Natalie Bergman, MA, RPsych, CPTChild Psychologist at Kids Reconnect
Natalie is a Director and co-founder at Kids Reconnect. She is an experienced child psychologist and Certified Play Therapist who uses her professional expertise and caring heart Superpowers to emotionally connect with children, helping them heal using play therapy and heart-to-heart conversations. Natalie also uses her profound insights into the world of children to help parents understand and connect with their child with love, gentleness, and patience. Today, and every day, she is grateful for family, friends, and the kids, parents, and therapists with whom she works and plays.

Meet the editor

Ana Hoepfner, BEc
Ana Hoepfner, BEcCommunications at Kids Reconnect
Ana is a writer and designer who delivers business results through creative, joyful communications that surprise and delight. Leveraging her 15+ year track record of successfully building and boosting corporate, personal, community, and non-profit local and international brands. Ana designed, copywrote, and manages the “spark-tacular” Kids Reconnect, Couples Reconnect, and CRCG websites, including this blog. Thank you and your kiddo for visiting our website!

Happy Thanksgiving!

At Kids Reconnect, we are grateful for kids, teens, parents, and families who work on growing their gratitude and kindness Superpowers.