Teaching Kids About Gratitude: Building a Thankful Mindset
- Divya Pritwani
- Nov 9
- 15 min read
Table of contents
Introduction
As parents, we all want to raise children who are kind, appreciative, and aware of the many blessings in their lives. But in today’s fast-paced world, where instant gratification is the norm, teaching kids about gratitude can feel like an uphill task. How do we encourage our children to develop a thankful mindset? The answer lies in something they naturally gravitate towards—play.
By integrating gratitude into playful interactions, we can nurture a deep sense of appreciation in our kids while making the learning process enjoyable and engaging.
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”; it’s a mindset, a way of seeing the world with appreciation rather than entitlement. However, gratitude cannot be forced—it thrives in a lighthearted and playful environment. When children experience gratitude through joyful activities and meaningful connections, they internalize it effortlessly. Playfulness creates the perfect atmosphere for this transformation, making gratitude a natural part of their everyday lives.
In this blog, I will share insights from my own parenting journey, particularly with my son, Krishiv, and how we’ve incorporated gratitude into our daily routines through play. Along the way, we’ll also discuss the challenges parents may face, and how to navigate them with ease. By the end of this blog, you’ll discover that teaching gratitude doesn’t have to be another item on your parenting to-do list—it can be a joyful and rewarding experience for both you and your child.
Before we delve further into the blog, let's take a moment to understand the connection between playfulness and gratitude, and why playfulness is crucial for fostering gratitude.
The Connection Between Playfulness and Gratitude
I believe that everything is connected and everything works in a ripple effect. But before we get to that, let’s begin with the core basics and understand these 2 terms: Playfulness and Gratitude.
Playfulness, for me, is about being at ease in every situation. In Hindi, we call it “khilkhilapan.” When I reflect deeper, I realize that my inner state is always in the mode of play. And when one fully embraces play, there is tremendous joy and ease.
Gratitude, to me, is synonymous with thankfulness—where I am grateful or thankful for any given situation of life. I consider each and every situation either as a learning or an opportunity to have a new possibility. The feeling of gratitude is a choice.
I have learned over time that playfulness and gratitude have a connection that works together in a very powerful way and being grateful has in turn led to playfulness and ease of mind.
In moments where I have consciously chosen gratitude, I’ve noticed that playfulness emerges naturally. When I embrace gratitude, life begins to feel like a game—something to engage with rather than resist. There is a direct correlation between playfulness and gratitude, each amplifying the other.
I used to believe I wasn’t playful because I didn’t run around or hop like children do. Then, I decided to experiment by choosing gratitude in every situation. I began appreciating everything I had, transforming each challenge into an opportunity. Surprisingly, this shift turned my struggles into ease, and I found myself naturally becoming more playful. As a parent, I’ve realized that cultivating gratitude within myself directly influences the energy I bring into my parenting journey.
Now are you beginning to see how embracing gratitude can help in shifting the energy and in turn lead to playfulness?! Let us dive further and look at some strategies to learn how play can help in building a grateful mindset.
The Role of Play in Developing Gratitude
Gratitude leads to playfulness, which in turn leads to more gratitude—forming a rare but powerful cycle that fills my life with positivity. Playfulness is a matter of perception; when I view any situation as a game, I naturally feel drawn to engage rather than avoid it. In contrast, when I take situations too seriously, they become burdensome, and gratitude feels distant. Parenting, much like play, requires patience, adaptability, and joy. When I approach it playfully, even mundane tasks transform into meaningful and enjoyable experiences.
A great example is legendary cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The more at ease he was, the better he played, increasing India’s chances of victory. His gratitude toward his teammates and the game itself contributed to his exceptional performance. In all my experiences, I’ve noticed that when I approach any situation with a serious mindset, the likelihood of feeling burdened and stressed increases. Seriousness brings a heaviness that requires double the effort to carry, making gratitude difficult to access. Gratitude flourishes in an environment that is light and calm, not one weighed down by stress.
The same applies to my interactions with my child. When our interactions are lighthearted and playful, an underlying sense of thankfulness naturally emerges, shaping our bond and filling our space with warmth. Playfulness and gratitude create a rare but powerful cycle that enhances our parenting journey, making it more fulfilling and joyful. When I approach parenting with an open heart and a playful attitude, gratitude effortlessly finds its place, enriching both my life and my child’s experiences. With this lightheartedness, our capacity for gratitude only deepens, reinforcing a positive and connected family dynamic.
The secret is out. We have uncovered that playfulness and gratitude is a powerful cycle. Want to figure out how to ride it? Read further.
Creating a Playful Environment That Fosters Gratitude
The first step in learning to ride a cycle, is to select the appropriate surrounding and environment to ride it. On the first day of learning to ride a cycle, would you choose a wet, stony and muddy path? No, not at all. So let's understand what could be the ideal environment and appropriate surroundings to learn to ride our playful-gratitude cycle.
As the saying goes, "A man is shaped by his surroundings." This holds especially true for children, whose environment plays a crucial role in shaping their attitudes and behaviors. In today's world, where families spend more time indoors, the spaces we create and the people we interact with daily become even more significant. The energy within these spaces, the interactions children experience, and even their internal environment—all contribute to their emotional and behavioral development.
Gratitude, one of the most valuable traits a person can possess, flourishes in a positive and playful atmosphere. When gratitude is expressed, even in the simplest of ways, it has the power to transform the environment. As the popular wisdom states, "It takes a village to raise a child." If this village thrives on playfulness, harmony, and kindness, the child will naturally blossom into a compassionate individual who radiates love and gratitude.
For this to take action it is important that we provide the child with a safe space for them to truly engage with their surroundings. Let's find out 2 ways of intentionally designing playful spaces that can help encourage gratitude:
Way 1 - Designing Playful Spaces:
A well-designed space has the potential to spark joy, creativity, and gratitude in children. A space that is organized, inviting, and incorporates natural elements can become a breeding ground for playfulness. When a space encourages children to move freely, explore, and engage with their surroundings, it nurtures an innate sense of appreciation. By fostering creativity and self-expression, we create an environment where gratitude naturally thrives.
A well-thought-out environment doesn't have to be elaborate—it simply needs to be intentional. A child's play area should be accessible, inviting, and designed to make them feel energetic and at ease. When children feel comfortable in their surroundings, they are more likely to express gratitude for the things they have, the people around them, and the moments they experience. Now, let's check out way 2.
Way 2 - Integrating Nature:
Nature has a profound effect on our mental and emotional well-being, and for children, it can be an essential catalyst for gratitude. A simple walk in the park, feeling the grass underfoot, or listening to the rustling leaves can transform stress into playfulness. As a parent, I have experienced this firsthand—whenever I take my kids outside to play, our collective energy shifts from tense to joyful. This connection with nature deepens our appreciation for the world around us and reinforces a sense of gratitude for life itself.
Engaging with nature also provides a beautiful lesson in reciprocity. We breathe in oxygen provided by trees and exhale carbon dioxide that they need to thrive—it’s a perfect balance of giving and receiving. This realization instills in children an appreciation for the abundance of the natural world. Running freely, hopping over puddles, or simply lying under the open sky gives them a sense of freedom and joy. And when children are happy and at ease, gratitude follows naturally, making their world—and ours—a better place.
Now we have learned 2 ways to intentionally incorporate playful spaces for gratitude to thrive in. Are you ready to enhance and encourage a gratitude mindset in children? Read further for some fun play-based activities.
Play-Based Activities to Cultivate Gratitude
Gratitude is best learned through experience, and what better way to instill it in children than through play? Play-based activities not only engage children but also create meaningful moments of reflection and appreciation.
As parents, we can use these simple yet powerful activities to foster gratitude in our children while strengthening our bond with them. Here are some fun and effective ways to cultivate gratitude through play:
Activity 1 - Gratitude Circle:
A gratitude circle is a playful yet reflective activity that helps children appreciate the small joys in life. We all sit together in a circle and play a ‘passing the parcel’ game. As the music stops, the person holding the parcel shares one moment from the past week that made them happy. This simple practice allows children to recognize and express gratitude naturally while making them more mindful of positive experiences.
Activity 2 - Gratitude Letters:
During special occasions or festivals, we all write letters to each other. These letters can contain anything we want to express, but they must include at least one statement of gratitude. Initially, it may feel like a task, but as we sit down and reflect, we begin to recall numerous moments for which we are thankful. This activity encourages children to find gratitude in everyday interactions and fosters deeper emotional connections within the family.
Activity 3 - Thanksgiving Party:
Every now and then, we organize a casual high-tea party with good food, music, and a relaxed atmosphere. The underlying essence of the gathering is gratitude—thankfulness for the simple joys, the relationships we cherish, and the moments we share. By modeling gratitude in a joyful setting, children learn that appreciation is not just a feeling but a way of life.
Through these playful gratitude activities, we can create a nurturing environment where appreciation becomes second nature. These small, intentional activities help our children develop an attitude of gratitude, enriching their emotional wellness and strengthening family bonds. By incorporating gratitude into play, we make learning enjoyable while sowing the seeds for a lifelong appreciation of life’s blessings.
For any activity to seep into our children, we need to make them a routine. Do you want to know which play-based gratitude activities we are doing as a routine? Yes?! Then keep reading.
Routine Collaborative Parent-Child Gratitude Practices
Creating a culture of gratitude in everyday life doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple, consistent routines woven into daily parenting can naturally encourage children to appreciate life’s blessings. The key is to make gratitude a shared experience, something that both parents and children practice together. These collaborative gratitude rituals not only strengthen the parent-child bond but also create a positive home environment filled with appreciation and mindfulness.
Routine 1 - Giving Thanks for Food:
Before every meal, we take a moment to express gratitude for the food we are about to receive. This is a simple yet powerful practice that fosters appreciation for the efforts behind every meal—whether it’s the farmers who cultivate the food, the hands that prepare it, or the earth that provides it.
By pausing to acknowledge the effort that goes into our nourishment, children develop a habit of thankfulness that extends beyond the dinner table into other aspects of life. Making this a daily ritual instills mindfulness in children and deepens their understanding of interdependence.
Routine 2 - Expressing Gratitude for Nature:
When we water plants together, we take a moment to acknowledge nature’s role in our lives. This practice has been passed down for generations, serving as a reminder that just as nature provides for us, we have a responsibility to nurture it in return.
Teaching children to appreciate the natural world fosters a deep sense of gratitude and respect for the environment. Whether it’s tending to a small indoor plant or spending time in a garden, engaging with nature in a mindful way enhances a child’s emotional and sensory connection to the world around them.
Routine 3 - Counting Our Blessings:
One of the most engaging and interactive gratitude practices is playing the “Counting Our Blessings” game. Each family member takes turns listing the simple and big things they are grateful for that week. From a warm hug to a fun playdate, no blessing is too small to count.
Whoever can recall the most blessings “wins,” but in reality, everyone wins because they get to relive joyful moments. This game encourages children to actively reflect on positive experiences, reinforcing the idea that happiness often lies in appreciating what we already have.
By incorporating these simple gratitude routines into daily parenting, we provide children with a strong foundation of appreciation, mindfulness, and empathy. As these practices become second nature, gratitude shifts from being an occasional expression to an ingrained way of living, ensuring that children grow up with an optimistic and appreciative outlook on life.
Let's do a quick run-down. So far, we’ve learned the importance of play in cultivating gratitude, we have learned some ways to create play based gratitude activities and routine collaborative gratitude practices.
Now let’s move on to understanding how children perceive gratitude, and how we can overcome challenges regarding gratitude. Sounds interesting? Right? So keep on reading.
Navigating Challenges in Teaching Gratitude Playfully
Only when we understand how children perceive gratitude can we understand how to teach them to expand their innate gratitude. Understanding their perception of gratitude helps us handle related challenges too. Be ready, now it’s time to shift our viewing point to the child’s viewing point.
Understanding the child’s perspective of gratitude
Most of the time, children naturally exist in a state of gratitude. Their joy, excitement, and enthusiasm, even for the simplest things, are expressions of thankfulness. Whether it’s the delight of receiving a toy or the sheer happiness of an infant taking their first steps, their reactions exude gratitude.
Children don’t overthink gratitude; they feel it deeply and express it freely. This excitement is contagious, spreading positivity to those around them. When a child snuggles into a parent’s lap, feeling completely reassured and safe, that trust and comfort reflect immense gratitude.
But does it stop here? This is their innate nature, but let’s reflect - do we as parents stop here? Generally speaking, no we don’t. This is one of the biggest reasons why we face challenges in teaching gratitude. Let’s understand how.
A child’s resistance towards gratitude
I have observed that a child’s resistance starts to arise when we teach them how they must express gratitude. This teaching is generally our expectations of how they must express gratitude and what they should be grateful for.
The magic mantra for us parents is that, “Gratitude cannot be forced”. The moment we instruct a child to say “thank you” when they don’t feel it naturally, it can create resistance. When gratitude becomes an expectation rather than an organic expression, it can feel like a burden. I have noticed that whenever I impose gratitude on my child, especially in situations where he doesn’t feel it from within, resistance builds up. This internal struggle also reflects a broader issue—if I am not practicing gratitude in my own life yet expect my child to, the inconsistency can create friction.
These are some struggles I have faced too. But I didn’t stop there. I wanted some resolution to address this resistance because playfulness is all about flow, not resistance. Let’s read further to see how to address these resistances.
Addressing Resistance
Playfulness is all about simplicity and I thought that there must be some simple answer to these resistances. I was amazed when I found out that the most effective way to nurture gratitude in my child is to embody it myself. Gratitude is not something that can be taught through instruction alone; it must be experienced and witnessed.
Children are deeply observant, and they learn by watching their parents. When they see us expressing gratitude frequently and genuinely, they naturally absorb and mirror this behavior. By integrating gratitude into my daily interactions, whether by appreciating a small kindness or expressing thanks to my child, I create an environment where gratitude flourishes effortlessly.
Now I understand parents still want to ensure that gratitude is maintained no matter what. Whether one is playing or doing anything else, some discipline of maintaining gratitude must be there in my child. How can I achieve that? Well, let me tell you that it is possible playfully.
Balancing Play and Discipline
When one is playing, there is tremendous joy, and with joy comes gratitude. Especially in parenting, when I play with my child, there is love and gratitude in the air. Even the silliest games spark enthusiasm and excitement, and gratitude becomes visible in my child's expressions.
The more my child expresses gratitude, the more I am drawn to continue playing. When I communicate that I, too, am learning alongside my child through play, his happiness knows no bounds, and gratitude becomes a natural ingredient in our shared experiences.
Until now we’ve understood that gratitude is a natural state for children and we can use play as a method to expand their gratitude mindset. You must be wondering how this can help your child in the future. I assure you, it does help big time. Let's see how fostering a gratitude mindset actually plays into the future, and helps our children to handle challenges for the rest of their lives. Keep reading to find out your child’s future if they develop a gratitude mindset.
The Long-Term Impact of a Gratitude Mindset
Well, you may be wondering, how can gratitude truly help when life throws its challenges your way? Keep reading to find out.
The Transformative Power of Gratitude
The impact of a gratitude mindset is profound and far-reaching. When I cultivate gratitude in my everyday life, my perspective shifts, and my attitude toward life becomes more positive.
Gratitude creates a ripple effect, bringing in an abundance of joy and contentment. Even the simplest moments feel special, and a deep sense of fulfillment takes root. This inner contentment leads to a sense of calm, which, in turn, fosters playfulness and joy in parenting. The more I embrace gratitude, the more I create an environment where my child, too, learns to appreciate life’s blessings.
Gratitude has had a special transformative effect in my life and has helped me and in turn my child feel fulfilled and content. This contentment, calmness and gratitude further enhances resilience as well. Let’s move ahead to see how resilience is built through gratitude.
Building Resilience Through Gratitude
In order to face any challenge in life, the most significant ingredients I need are an attitude of optimism, playfulness, and gratitude. These qualities instill hope and faith in the future, allowing both me and my child to navigate difficulties with confidence. Gratitude helps eliminate stress, worry, and other negative emotions that only add to challenges. Instead of viewing obstacles as setbacks, I begin to see them as opportunities for growth and learning.
History has shown that great individuals become great by overcoming adversity—those who never face challenges never truly grow. When I approach challenges with optimism, gratitude, and playfulness in my heart and mind, I can be creative in finding solutions that transform my life. Stress, worry, and chaos are inevitable, but by cultivating a strong foundation of gratitude, optimism, and playfulness in children, we equip them with the natural capability to not only cope with challenges but also to overcome them with resilience and confidence.
Now that we have seen how to and gratitude go hand in hand一helping individuals get through rough times and foster growth, we shall take a look at how gratitude can encourage compassion and confidence.
Fostering Compassion and Confidence
Gratitude seems to be a key to fostering growth. Are you ready to see how gratitude also helps in developing compassionate, confident individuals with a strong sense of self worth?
Gratitude and empathy are deeply interconnected. Whenever I feel thankful toward someone, it naturally stems from a place of empathy and understanding. The more gratitude I cultivate, the more compassion I develop, and the cycle continues. In parenting, this connection is vital.
A child who experiences gratitude in their home environment learns to extend the same kindness and empathy toward others. Additionally, gratitude fosters self-confidence. When I consistently express appreciation, it eliminates self-doubt and insecurities, reinforcing a strong sense of self-worth. A child raised in an atmosphere of gratitude develops an unshakable belief in themselves and their abilities.
Wonderful! You have reached the conclusion of this blog on “Teaching Kids About Gratitude: Building a Thankful Mindset”. Let’s have a quick recap and conclude the key takeaways.
Conclusion
Fostering gratitude in children is a journey that requires playfulness, consistency, and an encouraging environment. As parents, we have the opportunity to nurture a mindset that not only enriches our children’s lives but also strengthens our bond with them.
Here are 6 key takeaways from this blog:
Playfulness Enhances Gratitude: Play naturally fosters joy, and where there is joy, gratitude follows. When children are immersed in play, their appreciation for the moment, their surroundings, and the people involved becomes evident. By engaging in playful interactions, parents can encourage an emotional space where gratitude is effortlessly expressed.
A Nurturing Environment Shapes a Thankful Mindset: A child's surroundings have a profound impact on their ability to develop gratitude. By creating an environment filled with harmony, play, and appreciation, parents can cultivate a deep-rooted sense of thankfulness in their children, making gratitude a natural response to everyday experiences.
Play-Based Activities Reinforce Gratitude in Daily Life: Engaging children in gratitude-centered games and playful activities helps them recognize and appreciate the good around them. Simple yet meaningful activities like gratitude jars, storytelling, and role-playing games make the practice of gratitude enjoyable and impactful.
Daily Routines Strengthen the Habit of Thankfulness: Gratitude is most effectively cultivated through consistent, everyday practices. By integrating gratitude into daily routines—such as bedtime reflections, shared meals, or collaborative thank-you notes—parents help children internalize gratitude as a natural habit rather than a forced practice.
Overcoming Challenges in Teaching Gratitude Requires Creativity: Teaching gratitude isn’t always straightforward, but approaching challenges with creativity and patience makes a difference. When children resist or struggle with gratitude, using playful engagement rather than pressure helps them absorb the lesson more naturally, ensuring long-term retention.
A Gratitude Mindset Builds Resilience and Emotional Strength: Gratitude is a powerful tool for overcoming life’s challenges. It fosters optimism, reduces stress, and strengthens emotional resilience. When children learn to approach difficulties with gratitude, they develop confidence and adaptability, preparing them for a fulfilling and balanced life.
Gratitude is more than just saying "thank you"—it is a way of living. By making gratitude an integral part of parenting, we empower our children to embrace life with joy, appreciation, and resilience. The journey of nurturing gratitude begins with us, and through playful engagement, meaningful routines, and a positive environment, we can instill in our children a lifelong sense of thankfulness.
Sometimes when you're feeling overwhelmed and need inspiration or a deeper understanding of gratitude, playfulness and incorporating playfulness in your life, you can read our book Parenting with a Smile: A Journey into Playful Living for further clarity, real life examples and insights from 5 individuals who are living this playful journey.
Thank you for reading this blog. All the best for your parenting journey. Feel free to like, comment and share this blog with fellow parents.
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