The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and reflection. For families, it’s also an excellent opportunity to nurture gratitude in children, a value that benefits not just individual households but society as a whole. Gratitude helps children build stronger relationships, develop empathy, and find purpose in their lives. As parents, caregivers, and educators, we play a crucial role in guiding children toward a mindset of thankfulness.
At Eckert Centre in Calgary, AB, we specialize in supporting families through counseling and psychoeducational assessments, and this December, we’re focusing on the power of gratitude. Drawing from the book Making Grateful Kids by Giacomo Bono and Jeffrey Froh, as well as insights from the Greater Good Science Center, here are seven essential strategies to foster gratitude in children during the Christmas season.
1. Model and Teach Gratitude
Children learn by watching the adults around them. To encourage gratitude, we need to model it in our words and actions. This could include saying thank you, writing notes of appreciation, or giving small tokens of thanks. When children see us actively expressing gratitude, they learn to recognize and appreciate the blessings in their own lives.
Practical Tips:
- Regularly express gratitude out loud, such as, “I’m so thankful for this delicious meal we’re sharing together.”
- Help children recognize the effort behind a gift or act of kindness by discussing the giver’s intentions and sacrifices.
Questions to Encourage Gratitude:
- NOTICE: What are you grateful for today?
- THINK: Why do you think someone gave you this gift or helped you?
- FEEL: How does receiving this make you feel inside?
- DO: What can you do to show your gratitude to this person?
By integrating these reflective questions into daily conversations, children can develop a deeper understanding of gratitude and how to express it.
2. Spend Quality Time Together
One of the most profound ways to show love is through time. Children, even teenagers, thrive on connection with their parents. Quality time strengthens family bonds and teaches children to value relationships over material possessions. This holiday season, focus on creating moments of presence and connection.
Ideas for Family Activities:
- Bake Christmas cookies together and deliver them to neighbors.
- Unplug from technology for a family game night or storytelling session by the fireplace.
- Take a walk in Calgary’s beautiful winter landscapes and savor the moment together.
Spending time together helps children feel valued and appreciated, nurturing their ability to appreciate others in return.
3. Support Your Child’s Autonomy
Giving children opportunities to make choices and take ownership of their actions fosters independence and gratitude. When children feel empowered to develop their talents and contribute to their family or community, they are more likely to recognize the effort and support they receive from others.
How to Encourage Autonomy:
- Discuss each family member’s strengths and how they can use those strengths to contribute to the household.
- Limit media consumption and encourage children to pursue activities that promote growth and connection, such as volunteering or learning a new skill.
Holiday Activity Idea:
- During a quiet evening by the Christmas tree, have each family member share the unique gifts or talents. Discuss how they can nurture these gifts in the coming year. This type of conversation reinforces gratitude for the abilities and opportunities they have.
4. Use Strengths to Foster Gratitude
Children flourish when they are encouraged to use their strengths to help others. Recognizing and applying their unique abilities not only builds confidence but also creates opportunities for them to feel and express gratitude.
Example:
- If your child excels in art, encourage them to create handmade thank-you cards for teachers or loved ones.
- If they enjoy baking, involve them in making treats to share with neighbors or friends.
When children use their strengths to contribute, they see firsthand how their actions positively impact others, fostering a natural sense of gratitude.
5. Help Kids Pursue Intrinsic Goals
In today’s consumer-driven world, it’s easy for children to focus on materialistic desires. Encouraging them to pursue intrinsic goals—such as building relationships, growing their talents, or contributing to their community—leads to deeper fulfillment and a stronger sense of gratitude.
Practical Ways to Shift Focus:
- Talk about the value of experiences over possessions. For example, highlight how a family outing or shared activity creates lasting memories.
- Help children write thank-you cards for teachers, coaches, or mentors who have positively influenced their lives.
By steering children toward meaningful goals, you help them develop a greater appreciation for the people and experiences that truly matter.
6. Encourage Helping Others
Helping others cultivates empathy and gratitude. When children lend a hand—whether by volunteering, sharing their toys, or assisting a sibling—they feel more connected to those around them.
Ways to Involve Kids in Helping:
- Organize a family volunteer day at a local Calgary charity or food bank.
- Encourage children to choose gently used toys or clothing to donate to those in need.
- Involve them in planning a “gratitude visit” to someone who has been important in their lives, such as a grandparent or teacher.
When children see the positive impact of their actions, they begin to understand the value of generosity and the interconnectedness of relationships.
7. Help Kids Discover What Matters to Them
A sense of purpose gives children a compass for living a meaningful life. As parents, we can help our children discover their passions and encourage them to pursue causes that resonate with their values and dreams.
Holiday Activity Idea:
- Ask your child to identify five people who matter most to them and plan a small gratitude gesture for each, such as a handwritten note, a phone call, or a shared activity.
- Discuss social issues your child is passionate about and brainstorm ways they can get involved, such as environmental conservation or community outreach.
Encouraging children to connect with a larger purpose fosters long-term gratitude and a desire to contribute to the world around them.
How Eckert Centre Can Support Your Family
At Eckert Centre, we’re dedicated to helping families thrive through counseling and assessment services. Whether your teen is navigating anxiety, your child is struggling with learning challenges, or you’re looking for tools to strengthen your parenting, our experienced team in Calgary, AB, is here to support you.
Services We Offer:
- Psychoeducational Assessments: Gain a deeper understanding of your child’s learning style and create actionable strategies for success in school.
- Counseling for All Ages: From children and teens to adults, we provide support tailored to individual and family needs.
- Parenting Support: Learn practical tools to strengthen parent-child relationships and address behavioral concerns.
At Eckert Centre, we approach every family with the same level of care, respect, and dedication that we would want for our own. With two convenient locations in Calgary, we make it easy for families to access the support they need.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book an appointment today and let us help you build stronger, more resilient relationships in your family.
Contact Us:
Visit: www.eckertcentre.com
Call: 403-230-2959
Email: info@eckert-psychology.com
Book Online: https://eckertpsychology.janeapp.com
Gratitude is more than a seasonal sentiment; it’s a lifelong skill that enriches families, strengthens relationships, and helps children grow into compassionate, purpose-driven adults. By implementing these strategies, you can create a holiday season filled with connection, appreciation, and joy. Let Eckert Centre be part of your family’s journey toward growth and gratitude this Christmas.
