Naturally since this is Thanksgiving week our thoughts steer toward thankfulness. In the middle of our busy schedules, it’s easy to forget to be thankful. We tell our children to say “thank you,” but are we really teaching them the discipline of gratitude? Fifty years of studies on happiness has shown that those who practice gratitude are healthier, happier, sleep better, are more helpful, and have stronger relationships.

Common suggestions for teaching children the skill of gratitude, at least once a week if not daily, include:
Keep a “Thankful” journal of things you appreciate (let little ones dictate to you).

• Write thank you letters—just because.
• Keep gratitude lists as a family.
• Family members share at dinner or bedtimes three things they're grateful for from their day.

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