When you think of an ungrateful child what do you think of?
Do you think of a child that expects things? Grumbles or throw tantrums when they can’t have what they want? Is unappreciative for what they do have? Wants more, more, more?
It’s not a pretty picture is it?
The truth is that it’s not uncommon for children to display this type of behavior at some point. My children included.
Thankfully we, as parents, have the awesome opportunity to model and teach our children how to be grateful for what they have and not constantly ask for more.
Modeling means we need to be grateful in order to show our children what gratitude looks like. If you are interested in practicing gratitude yourself be sure to check out my post from yesterday (there is even a free printable! Yay!).
While there is no formula or instruction manual for teaching gratitude there are things you can do to help yourself and your children become more grateful.
I personally believe that the Holy Spirit is where genuine life-changing gratitude comes from. But whether you believe that or not, there are practical steps you can take each and every day to gain appreciation and change your perspective, while also helping your children do the same.
Here are five components for teaching gratitude:
- Model It
- Reflect On It
- Read Scripture
- Pray & Give Thanks
- Practice
Today, I am going to give you a tool for your children to Reflect On It. For the next 31-days your children can think of one thing per day that they are each thankful for and write about it. It doesn’t have to be long or profound but just ask them to think of something they appreciate and write it down.
Below are two slightly different children’s gratitude journals available to you, both for FREE! The first version includes two days per page with a smaller area for a drawing each day. The second version has a separate page for each day with a very large area for drawing. Both have the same cover page. You decide which one will work better for your child!
31-Day FREE Printable Gratitude Journal for Kids
>>> Click here to download version 1 <<<
>>> Click here to download version 2 <<<
**IMPORTANT NOTE: The FREE Gratitude Journal for Kids is for personal, at-home use only.
Do you have children that aren’t quite ready to write in a journal on their own?
Or children who prefer not to?
Try the Family Gratitude Journal!
Click here to learn more about the Family Gratitude Journal!
Since I know from personal experience that it can be difficult to follow through with this 31-day journal, especially with young children, I created another resource. It is a Family Gratitude Journal so that you can reflect together as a family. This 12-Month Journal that can be purchased through my Etsy shop, The Happy Printable.
The benefits the Family Gratitude Journal versus an individual journal are:
- It’s an easier method for young children and children who don’t enjoy writing. You can designate a scribe to write it all down so those children can still participate.
- It promotes open conversation as a family.
- Family members may remember something that you didn’t remember or didn’t realize happened.
- Writing in a journal every single day (and getting our children to do so) can be a challenge. The Family Gratitude Journal allows your family to write as much or as little during the month as you choose.
- It’s a lot of fun!
Ready for the whole family to focus on gratitude? Click here!
Printing and Binding
For any of the journals you can simply staple the pages together or you can use sliding bar report covers. If you want to create a nice keepsake then another option is to head to your local print shop and have your journal spiral bound. You may want to use thicker paper or a light card stock if you choose to have your journal spiral bound.
Love. Love. Love. This. Thanks for making these and promoting gratitude.
Thank you very much for the Gratitude Journals! Wonderful idea and practice :).
This is such an amazing idea! Adults should be using these as well as kids tbh, sometimes we just take things for granted. Love this post! Xxx
Yes, it’s helpful for kids and adults alike to reflect on our blessings! Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
What an amazing idea! I have been wondering as to how to guide my children into gratitude, that might just be the answer!
Thank you for making it available for free. Highly appreciated as a single mum of 3!
This is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
I subscribed. Will you send me a separate link to download the gratitude journal for kids?
Wanting to use it for my grandson. Thank You!
Hi Linda! Once you confirm your subscription the file should automatically download for you. If that doesn’t happen please let me know!
I downloaded this gratitude journal last year, I believe. We were recently visiting our grandson and he has filled up his gratitude journal and wants another…and who cares if it isn’t Thanksgiving time? I’m happy that he is using it year round. We should all have one going all the time to remember all the wonderful things God does! Thank you for making this available!
Hi Linda – It’s great to hear from you! I am so happy to hear that your grandson is using this journal on a regular basis – I love that! And I agree that reflecting on what you are grateful for is perfect for any time of the year and not just Thanksgiving. Blessings to you and your grandson. Have a great summer!