Do your kids say “thank you” without having a real heart of gratitude? Teaching them about saying thank you from the heart teaches them the difference between speaking words and actually living them. Let’s explore ways we can teach our children from the Bible how to be grateful.

It can be hard to have a heart of gratitude, even as an adult. The world is full of greener grass next door, and we have easy access to new items. It’s not wonder our children can become jealous and less than grateful for what they have.

Start with a Memory Verse

As always, it’s best to start with the Bible. Put scriptures on your children’s hearts so they are always reminded that thanksgiving and praise should be the first thing on their lips.

Here are some verses to read to your children or have them memorize:

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1)

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1)

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. (Psalm 118:21)

Teaching a Heart of Gratitude at Home

Daily Gratitude Practices:

• Breakfast Blessings – There is a reason why I wrote a post about creating morning mercies! Here we are, using it again, as we teach our children about gratitude. Have each child name one thing they’re thankful for before eating (rotating through categories: people, places, things God made, experiences)
• Bedtime Gratitude – Share three specific things from the day (not just “everything” but “the way Mom smiled when I helped” or “how the sun felt warm on my face”)
• Car Ride Thanks – During drives, take turns thanking God for things you see out the window

Weekly Gratitude Habits:

• Gratitude Journal for Families – Keep a family notebook where everyone contributes weekly drawings or words. Keep it next to the Bible so your older children can write their favourite/applicable verses. Write the date at the top so you can reflect on everyone’s thanksgivings!
• Thank You Note Writing – Help children write simple thank you notes to people who serve them (teachers, grandparents, coaches). Encourage them to think of the specific reasons why they are thankful for that person, unique attributes or situations when that person helped them.
• Gratitude Photo Walk – If your family is like mine they love going out for walks AND taking pictures. Sometimes I get out my “professional camera” and let me boys snap some pics. What a great time to have them take pictures of things they are thankful for and then look at them together!

Teaching Through Contrast:

• Before/After Prayers – Pray before meals and after, teaching that gratitude bookends God’s provision.
• Need vs. Want Discussions – When children complain about not having something, gently redirect to thanking God for what they do have. This could mean looking around the room and picking 3 of their favourite toys or making a compliment about someone or something in the room.
• Gratitude During Difficulties – When facing challenges, look for the “silver lining” or the good things that God has done and be sure to explain them to your children. Always make it clear that in all things, God is with us and we can rely on Him!

Service-Based Gratitude:

• Gratitude in Giving – When donating toys or clothes, talk about how grateful you are to have enough to share. If your children are old enough, talk about tithing and how you give back to the church or other organizations as a way of thanking God for His provisions. Encourage them to tithe of their allowance (or money from a job) if they feel lead to do so!
• Helper Heart Thanks – When children help with chores, connect it to being grateful for a home to care for. You want to be good stewards of the home God has given you, so praising Him while you work is a good way to thank Him!
• Community Service – Visit nursing homes or volunteer, helping children see how blessed they are. This also is a good reminder for your children about giving to God our gifts, the gift of caring and connecting with people. We can thank Him for these gifts too!

The Most Important Piece

I have to say, the most important piece in teaching children about having a heart of gratitude is showing them who their Heavenly Father is. It’s hard to thank someone when they seem far away or unreachable. It’s hard to thank someone who seems cold and uncaring.

But when we show our children the love of God, when they understand the sacrifice that was made and the fact that they were chosen as His children, then thanking Him becomes less of a ritual and more of a heartfelt expression.

Of course there are going to be times when their heart of gratitude becomes grumpy and tired and needs reminding but remember, when you lead, they will follow. The thankfulness you show becomes a light for them and teaches them what a heart of gratitude looks like.

And for yourself, grab Ann Voskamp’s “Gifts and Gratitudes: A Year of One Thousand Gifts” journal! The perfect space to write your thanksgivings. Available on Amazon.