I’m on a mission to create gratitude in my children. My husband and I work very hard to provide them with a happy childhood, clean clothes, a warm house, food, and even fun toys. Sometimes though, I think we are doing too good of a job, because they sure don’t seem to appreciate it.
Years ago, I read Simple Abundance. The author, Sarah Ban Breathnach, suggested that every night you write down five things you are grateful for. They didn’t have to be big things, they could be a cup of hot tea, or finding a parking space, or a hot shower. Or they could be the big things like health, friends, family, and safety. I have found that when I keep up my gratitude journal I am more grateful, and happier. And I notice all the little things that I might not otherwise, a great cup of coffee, finding my favorite writing pen, watching a butterfly, the way my dog lays her head on my lap when she wants petted, the way the twins used to run out of school into my arms.
Gratitude trees are a kid and family version of writing that list. To make a tree, you can stick a branch into a terra cotta pot. To anchor the tree you can pour in plaster of Paris, or wedge in rocks or newspaper until the tree stays steady in the pot. For a simpler version you can draw a tree on poster board. You can also use tape, paper, or raffia, to design a tree on the wall.
Encourage your family to write (or dictate if they are too young to spell) things in their life they are grateful for on paper leaves. I cut leaf shapes out of yellow, orange and red paper. If you are using a poster you can use sticky notes to be the leaves, otherwise you will either need to tape or tie them to the tree. Once children get the concept they can think of lots! Every few nights you can read the leaves aloud, or you can save that for a Thanksgiving day tradition. I haven’t done this in a few years, but tomorrow I’m bringing out the gratitude tree! I think we all need a reminder in counting our blessings.
You could always do this with a bowl or a basket too, I just like the idea of them all hanging on the tree.
Modeling Gratitude for our Children