Gratitude and
Mental Health
What is gratitude?
Gratitude is noticing and appreciating the good things in life — big or small. Research shows that when we build a daily habit of gratitude, our mental health improves.
Why does gratitude matter?
Practicing gratitude can:
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Strengthen social connections and relationships
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Help buffer against stress and increase resilience
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Boost energy and motivation
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Improve self-esteem
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Add a greater sense of meaning to life
Before Teaching Gratitude
Start by explaining the difference between physical health and mental health.
You might say:
"We do things to stay physically healthy, like eating vegetables or getting enough sleep. Can you think of others?"
Children might say exercising, brushing teeth, or wearing sunscreen.
Then connect it: just like healthy habits keep our bodies strong, healthy habits for our thoughts and feelings support our mental health.
Getting Started
One powerful habit is practicing gratitude. This could mean saying out loud, writing down, or sharing the things you’re thankful for each day.
Some families keep a gratitude journal, others talk about it in the car or at dinner. What matters most is consistency. Gratitude helps interrupt negative thought patterns and reminds us of the positives in our lives.
A Note on Gratitude and Emotions
Gratitude does not mean ignoring pain or pretending to be happy during hard times.
That’s called toxic positivity — the idea that you must always “look on the bright side.” But real life includes sadness, anger, and hurt. Pretending those feelings don’t exist doesn’t make them go away.
Instead:
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Validate your child’s emotions.
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Teach them it’s okay to express sadness, anger, or frustration.
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Avoid pushing gratitude during moments of deep struggle — listen first.
Think of gratitude as a habit for everyday mental fitness, not a quick fix for coping with painful experiences.
Handouts & Activities
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Growing Our Gratitude Worksheet: Helps kids notice things around them, people they love, and personal strengths (like “I work hard” or “I like to sing”) — not just material things.
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Printable Gratitude Notecards: Kids can fill these out and give them to friends, family, or teachers.
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7 Days of Gratitude: A weeklong challenge for families to share something they’re grateful for each day. Discuss it at dinner and notice how the practice makes you feel over time.
Gratitude
