Teaching Gratitude (Little Ways to Practice Thankfulness This Fall)

Fall has a way of slowing us down and reminding us of what matters most which is family, community, and the little things that make life bright. For preschoolers, this season is the perfect time to start practicing gratitude in fun, age-appropriate ways.

Here are some simple strategies to weave thankfulness into your family’s daily rhythm.

🗣 Start Simple: Naming What We’re Thankful For

At dinner or bedtime, invite your child to share one thing they’re thankful for. It could be as small as their favorite toy or as big as a family outing. Naming gratitude out loud builds self-awareness and helps children see their world through a positive lens.

✋ Hands-On Gratitude Projects

Make gratitude tangible with creative projects like “thankful hands” (trace your child’s hands and write something they’re grateful for inside each finger), a family gratitude jar, or a “kindness tree” decorated with paper leaves. Visual reminders of thankfulness help children practice empathy and reflection every day.

👀 Modeling Gratitude as Parents

Children learn best by watching us. Saying thank you for everyday moments, like when someone sets the table or shares a snack, shows your child how gratitude feels in action. When they see you appreciating small things, they’ll be more likely to do the same.

💝 Turning Gratitude Into Giving

Extend gratitude beyond your home. Preschoolers can donate gently used toys, help bake treats for a neighbor, or make handmade cards for teachers or you can even volunteer at a local food pantry as a family. Acts of giving strengthen compassion and help children understand the joy of making someone else’s day brighter.

Gratitude isn’t just for November, it’s a habit that can shape how children view the world. By weaving little practices of thankfulness into your family life, you’ll nurture empathy, joy, and appreciation that lasts far beyond the fall season.