Whether you are joining your family at their place, they are coming to yours, or you are keeping the festivities to you and your kids, this time of year is the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and share what you are thankful for in your life.

Gratitude is full of benefits and can even help you and your kids feel more relaxed, healthier, and happier. Isn’t that what we all want – happy kids?! I know I do!

So how can you help your family be grateful? Here are FIVE ways to do just that.
 

• Practice makes better ~ Choosing to be thankful and focus on the good things is a muscle. You must strengthen it. Just like exercising you can start light and the more consistent you are the better. Find a display in the house – a white board, chalk board, or screen saver and begin your practice by updating it with one thing you are thankful for each week.

• Morning Gratitude ~ Mornings set the tone for our day. Just like your body needs a good breakfast to keep you alert, awake, and fueled; your mind needs the same nourishment. Take a few moments in the morning with your kids while you are eating, while everyone is putting on their shoes, or in the car on the way to school.  Have each person name three things they are thankful for aloud. Added benefit? Each person will encourage the others toward gratitude too.

•  Gratitude Journal ~ Similar to the morning gratitude this will help you focus on the good. Right before homework or after extracurricular activities set a timer for 5 min., and have each person sit down and write about what they are thankful for. Remember the best way to lead is by example – so sit with them and write one too. It does not have to be long and can even be bullet points.

• Write a letter of thanks ~ We mentioned leading by example, a letter of thanks is a great way to show gratitude to your kids. You can write a letter to each of them or to anyone and share it with them. Have your little ones write a note or make a gift of thanks to someone of their choosing. It will be uplifting for everyone!

• Give thanks when problems are solved ~ While focusing on gratitude is important, it is also important to acknowledge struggles and problems. Should something go not as planned, take a moment to share with your family what you are thankful for about the situation. For instance, you got stuck in traffic = you may be glad for the time to listen to your favorite NPR show, or your houseguest brought a +1 you are not to excited about  = share your gratitude over being able to practice selfless giving. Modeling gratitude when things are not perfect is very powerful. After all, that is when it matter most.

Get to giving thanks for more empathy,less aches and pains, improved relationships, and better sleep!  

Tell us what you are thankful for or how your family practices gratitude @Signshine on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.