Ever looked at your child’s overflowing toy bin and wondered how on earth they still manage to say, “I’m bored”?
Or felt a tiny jolt when you see them sigh over a not-new-enough phone, while you’re still haunted by memories of dial-up internet?
You’re not alone.
Encouraging gratitude in kids can feel like convincing a toddler to eat broccoli. It’s possible, but you’ll need more than wishful thinking and hiding the iPad.
Good news: it doesn’t require moving off-grid or burning all their birthday presents.
Even the busiest parent can nudge their kids toward a bit more appreciation, one eye roll at a time.
Model Grateful Behaviours (Yes, They Really Are Watching You)
Children are professional mimics. They’ll pick up your most colourful language at the worst possible time, and—luckily—your positive behaviours, too.
Express thankfulness out loud when something goes your way, even if it’s just a hot coffee that survived the school run.
When you lose your cool because someone left shoes in the hallway again, swing back with a “But hey, at least we have shoes… and a hallway.”
It’s not about being Pollyanna. It’s about showing them that appreciation is a habit, not a holiday card sentiment.
Research from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley suggests that gratitude is contagious within families. If you’re consistent, your children will catch on—eventually.
Include Them in Giving, Not Just Getting
Charity begins at home, but it shouldn’t end with you quietly rounding up for UNICEF at the supermarket till. Invite kids to help choose which old toys to donate, or pick tins for a food bank collection.
Let them see generosity in action, and better yet, let them be part of the process.
This isn’t about guilt trips (“Some children would be grateful for that broccoli!”). It’s about helping them connect with the joy of giving, and realising that their old LEGO bricks can be another child’s goldmine.
Even young children can help sort items, deliver a meal, or make a card for someone who needs a lift.
Letting them experience the warm fuzzies firsthand makes a much bigger impression than any lecture.
Make Gratitude a Ritual, Not a Chore
Family time is precious, and if you’re juggling work, school, and the mysterious pile of laundry that breeds overnight, you don’t need another thing on your to-do list.
But gratitude can fit right into routines you already have.
Around the dinner table, ask, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Did anything make you smile today?” You can make it silly (“I appreciated that my teacher forgot to collect homework!”) or heartfelt (“I loved my friend sharing their snack.”).
A study in Positive Psychology suggests that regular gratitude practices—even brief ones—boost overall happiness for kids and adults alike. No glitter glue or Pinterest boards required.
Limit the Stuff, Not the Fun
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking more toys equals more happiness.
But psychologists have long noticed a “hedonic treadmill” effect, where the excitement of something new fades… and your child is soon begging for more. (Think post-Christmas Day, when the wrapping paper is still on the floor and half the gifts are already gathering dust.)
Try setting boundaries around birthdays and holidays: maybe one “big” present, a few smaller ones, and a special experience or outing. When shopping, talk openly about needs versus wants.
You might be surprised—kids can handle a bit of honesty about budgets and priorities.
And don’t be shy about telling relatives you’d prefer books, craft kits, or even a contribution to swimming lessons over another avalanche of plastic. They may secretly thank you.
Talk About Where Things Come From
It’s easy to forget that everything has a backstory, especially if your child thinks food appears via magic in the fridge. Chat about how clothes are made, how food grows, and how gadgets are built.
If you don’t know, look it up together—Google is your friend.
Plan the odd trip to a farm, a market, or even a local factory tour. Show them that behind every “thing” is a web of people, resources, and effort.
It won’t turn them into tiny philosophers overnight, but it can spark curiosity and appreciation for the everyday.
Encourage Earning and Saving
Even a small allowance can teach big lessons.
Give your child the chance to earn pocket money for extra chores (beyond their usual responsibilities—no one should get paid for brushing their teeth, sorry). Let them save up for something they genuinely want.
A week of waiting for that toy can feel like a year in kid-time, but the anticipation helps them value it when it finally arrives.
For older children, try a simple budgeting app designed for kids, like RoosterMoney, to make the process fun and visual.
They may not thank you at the time, but watching their savings grow—and learning from the agony of spending it all on a flashy fad—can be a powerful teacher.
Share Stories That Put Things in Perspective
A well-told tale does wonders, especially when it comes from your own childhood (“Back in my day…”).
Stories about when you had less, or made do, or got creative with what you had, can be a gentle reminder that not everyone gets the latest-and-greatest.
Choose books and movies that highlight gratitude, sharing, and resilience—think “Last Stop on Market Street” or “Paddington.” These stories spark conversations, and sometimes, a little empathy.
Don’t be afraid of a bit of humour, either. Children appreciate a story where Mum once wanted a pet unicorn but had to settle for a slightly odd hamster.
Encourage Experiences Over Possessions
Ask most adults what they cherish from childhood and chances are, it’s memories: family picnics, camping misadventures, the time granny let them eat cake for breakfast. Not the neon pink plastic thing that vanished under the bed.
Experiences create stronger, longer-lasting happiness than possessions, according to research by Cornell University. Gift tickets to a show, a nature walk, or a picnic in the park.
Let kids help choose the next family adventure—no passport required.
When something fun happens, call attention to it. “Wasn’t that bike ride great? Much better than another day staring at screens, eh?” (Insert gentle eye roll for effect.)
Normalize Disappointment Without Panicking
No parent loves seeing their child upset, but sometimes missing out is exactly what helps them appreciate what they do have.
Skipping the latest craze, or saying “no” to a treat, can be a valuable life lesson (even if it results in the occasional dramatic flop onto the living room carpet).
Be honest when you can’t afford something, or when it just isn’t necessary. Let them grumble—a bit of frustration builds resilience.
Later, when they do get something special, they’ll savour it all the more.
This isn’t about deprivation; it’s about balance. And a bit of harmless disappointment never broke anyone (unless we’re talking about the great pizza debacle of 2013, but we don’t talk about that).
Keep Perspective Yourself
Modern life has a way of making us all feel like we’re missing out. The endless parade of “unboxing” videos, perfect playrooms on Instagram, and birthday parties that seem more elaborate than a royal wedding—none of it’s normal.
Comparison is the thief of joy, and your children will follow your lead. Skip the guilt, skip the pressure, and remind yourself that you’re already doing enough.
Making kids appreciate what they have doesn’t mean raising mini-ascetics who meditate on their one toy. It means raising kids who notice the good, savour the simple, and know how to say “thank you,” even if it’s just for an uninterrupted cup of tea.
Gratitude: The Not-So-Secret Family Superpower
Growing appreciation isn’t about a single big gesture or a perfectly crafted lesson. It’s dozens of little choices, messy conversations, and the occasional failed experiment (looking at you, “no presents” birthday party). E
very parent has days when gratitude feels about as likely as a tidy house.
What matters is the slow, steady drip.
Thank yous at breakfast. Shared laughter over a hand-me-down joke. A few tears over not getting everything they want—and the hugs that follow.
You’re already giving them the best gift of all: the tools to see—and love—what’s right in front of them.
Even if it’s broccoli.
