How do you start a gratitude journal for kids? The importance of gratitude is a key theme that runs throughout the whole Bible. In the New Testament alone, the Greek word for gratitude is used 157 times. Clearly, gratitude should be a major part of every Christian’s life.
Of course, it’s right to express gratitude to God when we pray. In fact, the Lord’s Prayer, the model prayer Jesus gave his followers in Luke 11 and Matthew 6, begins and ends by praising God for who He is.
However, gratitude isn’t just something you do when you pray. It’s also a frame of mind you can stay in all the time, day in and day out. Secular research has shown that being grateful is a habit. Like any other habit, it can be developed purposefully. When you take the time to cultivate a grateful mindset, you’re obeying God’s commands throughout Scripture. You’re also building personal resilience. When bad times come, grateful people are able to weather the storm more easily.
One of the best habits a Christian parent can help their child develop is a pattern of being grateful. But how do you teach this mindset? A gratitude journal, along with other simple tools, can help children develop a grateful mindset that will follow them through life. Read on to discover some helpful tips for getting started!
Journaling Tips For Toddlers
Can toddlers really benefit from keeping a gratitude journal? Yes, if it’s done in an age-appropriate way! At this age, it’s helpful to create visual records and keep things short. A large calendar chart on the wall in your child’s bedroom can be a great place to “journal.” During your child’s bedtime routine, discuss what happened that day that they really enjoyed. This could be a trip to the park, a special snack, a playdate with a friend, or playing with a favorite toy. Then, draw a picture to represent it on the chart. Your child will enjoy looking back and remembering what they chose in the past. It also makes a great keepsake, and you’ll enjoy pulling it out when your child gets older!
Journaling Tips For Preschoolers
For preschoolers, a wall chart can also work well. At this stage, your preschooler might want to draw the daily sketches, instead of letting you do it. It might also be time to transition from pictures to words. Preschoolers often come up with a long list of daily things to be grateful for. Watching you write them down on the chart can increase their verbal awareness. As they learn letters the alphabet, some preschool or early school-aged kids enjoy simple word games: “can you think of something to give thanks for that starts with C?”.
Many preschoolers are also ready to join you in a short prayer, thanking God for the blessings of the day. This gives you a chance to model thankfulness and prayer for your child.
Journaling Tips For School-Aged Kids
When your kids start school, it might be time to transition from a wall chart to a notebook. At this age, your child can begin writing words or drawing pictures in a journal on their own. It’s also a great idea to add some verse memorization, along with daily journaling. You might start with Psalm 28:7, Psalm 34:1, or Psalm 95:2-4. You or your child can add these verses to the journal and practice saying them during your nightly routine.
Your child can also add their own visual elements to their journal. Clipping pictures from magazines, using stickers or family photos, or coloring pictures are a few options. These are some ways to visually represent the things your child is grateful for.
School-aged kids are also ready for an increased focus on abstract concepts. While younger kids are often grateful for chicken nuggets or a swing set, older kids are ready to learn to praise God for who He is. They can understand attributes like God’s faithfulness, patience, love, and strength, and they can grasp why those attributes deserve gratitude.
Finally, school-aged kids are ready to start demonstrating gratitude to people outside the home. Your child can say “thank you” by baking cookies for a teacher, writing thank-you notes after they receive birthday party gifts, or leaving a tip at a restaurant (with your guidance). You can record these events in your child’s journal to mark their milestones in learning to be grateful.
Journaling Tips for Pre-Teens and Teens
As your child gets older, your relationship with their gratitude journal will change. When you sit down as a family to pray, continue to discuss what your child can be grateful for (of course, you should also tell your child what you’re grateful for!). You probably won’t be reading your child’s journal at this stage, but you can still support their habit of keeping one.
For one thing, you can buy supplies for them to use. Pre-teens and teens often appreciate a journal that looks attractive on the outside. You can find rugged, leather-bound journals, bright glittery ones, or journals that look mature and sophisticated. Some teens really enjoy learning to write in fancy scripts, so calligraphy pens and ink can make for a fun gift. Stamps, scrapbooking supplies, gel pens, and stickers are often welcome, too.
Additionally, your pre-teen or teen will be observing whether you take your own advice. If you cultivate a pattern of gratitude in your own life, your kids take notice. When you’re in a fender-bender, do you immediately complain to your kids about the cost and inconvenience? Or do you first express gratitude that no one got hurt? No one can be positive and upbeat all the time. However, when you’re intentional about showing gratitude, you create a positive atmosphere that your teens will remember.
Corporate Worship
Keeping a gratitude journal is a wonderful lifelong habit you can help your child cultivate. Another important way for Christians to express gratitude is by joining other believers to worship God. At Harmony Baptist Church, our worship is motivated by gratitude. We’d love for your family to join us in praising God together. Visit our ‘Contact’ page for service times, directions, and contact info!
