Cultivating Hearts Of Thanksgiving
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1)
Children are smarter and more prosocial when they are grateful[1]. While fighting less often or having a smart kid may be a great reason to teach our children thankfulness, ultimately we teach our little ones so they can develop a heart to see God's love and provision. The foundation of gratitude is knowing that every blessing comes from God. Here is how to explain it in their language:
God gives us good things
We can say "thank you" to God and others
Noticing blessings is a way of loving God
1. Create Habits of Thankfulness
Make thankfulness a daily celebration! Keep it simple, such as praying before a meal or worship music at night:
Prayer: "Dear Jesus, help me teach my little one to see your love in everything. Help us both have hearts full of thankfulness and joy. Amen."
Worship: Sing and dance! Celebrate that they can say "I'm thankful for my teddy bear" or "I'm thankful for mommy's hugs."
2. Model Grateful Behavior
Children learn by watching us. Let them hear you say thank you often to them, to others, and to God. When they see you expressing thankfulness, it becomes natural for them to do the same. For example:
“Thank you for helping me clean up! You made my job easier.”
“Thank you, God, for the sunshine and the yummy food we have today.”
3. Use Hands-On Activities
Abstract ideas can be tricky for preschoolers, so make thankfulness something they can see and experience:
Gratitude Walks: Go outside and point out things to thank God for. “Look at those pretty flowers! Thank you, God, for making them.”
Thankfulness Jar: Encourage your child to draw pictures or describe things they’re thankful for. Add them to a jar and revisit them later to remind them of God’s goodness.
Conclusion
By teaching thankfulness now, you’re helping your preschooler develop a heart that recognizes God’s goodness, even in small things. It’s a lesson that will stay with them for life, shaping their relationships and their faith. Read a Bible verse, say thank you often, and pause to notice God’s blessings. Together, you’ll cultivate a habit of gratitude that honors God and blesses your family. May your home be filled with grateful hearts!
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
References
Smith, Sophie, Olivia (2021) The Benefits of Children’s Gratitude: Identifying Mediators and Designing a New Measure. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis, 143pp.