Practicing Gratitude

Research consistently shows that showing gratitude improves mental and physical health. During childhood, the plasticity of the brain results in these effects being even greater, as the developing mind is influenced by these positive effects.

It can be helpful to link a new habit (gratitude) to an old habit (bedtime reading). To introduce the habit of gratitude into your child’s bedtime routine: 1. Cut out a bookmark-shaped piece of cardboard. 2. Write two questions on one side “what are you grateful for today?” and “what is something important that happened to you today?” 3. Let your kid(s) go wild and decorate the other side with stickers and textas to get them more excited about this exercise.

Asking about something important that happened gives parents and children space, amongst the chaos, to connect. It enables your child to be prioritised even on the busiest of days. This is one example that might get them in the habit of connecting with you. Make them see that it’s okay to share anything. Nothing can make the foundation of a parent-child relationship more solid than for the child’s authentic self to be truly seen, understood, accepted, and loved the hell out of no matter what.