Teaching Kids Gratitude: Simple 2-Minute Actions for Busy Parents
As martial arts instructors, we spend a lot of time teaching our students about discipline, respect, and confidence. But one lesson that often goes hand-in-hand with these values is gratitude. Gratitude – our November Lesson of the Month – is not just a nice thing to do, but a way of life, and a powerful mindset that can help kids build resilience, strengthen relationships, and maintain a positive outlook.
Here’s some great news: You don’t need a ton of time to help your kids develop gratitude. Small, intentional actions – even just two minutes a day – can make a big difference. Here are a few simple ideas to get started:
1. Set a Gratitude Reminder
Technology can be a helpful tool for building habits. Consider setting a daily reminder on your phone to ding at a specific time each day, like right before dinner or bedtime. When it goes off, ask your family, “What’s one thing you’re grateful for today?” Make sure you and your partner share something, too!
For example, if your phone dings during karate pickup time, you might say, “I’m grateful I got to watch you practice your kata today—that looked awesome!” This quick moment not only helps your child practice gratitude but also lets them feel appreciated for their efforts.
2. Gratitude Around the Table
Family meals are a perfect opportunity to reflect on the day. Make it a habit to go around the table and have each person say one thing they were grateful for that day. It could be as big as a school achievement or as simple as enjoying sunny weather.
One family I work with in class shared this idea with me, they call it their “Rose of the Day.” Every dinner, they talk about their favorite part of the day. It’s such a simple practice, but the kids have told me how much they look forward to sharing their “roses.”
3. Create a Gratitude Jar
Keep a jar, some slips of paper, and a pen in a visible spot, like the kitchen counter. Encourage your child to write down one thing they’re thankful for each day and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read them together as a family.
If your child isn’t writing yet, they can draw a picture of what they’re thankful for instead. This activity helps kids focus on the good in their day, while also creating a keepsake of happy memories.
4. Teach Through Modeling
Kids learn from what they see, so let them see you practicing gratitude! When they help out around the house, say something like, “Thank you for cleaning up your toys. It made my day easier!” When you thank others in public—like the barista at the coffee shop—explain to your child why showing appreciation matters.
5. Encourage Small Acts of Kindness
Gratitude and kindness go hand in hand. Encourage your child to perform small acts of kindness throughout their day, like holding the door for someone, sharing a toy with a friend, or helping a sibling with homework.
Afterward, take a moment to talk about how those actions made them feel. For example, you might say, “You let your sister borrow your favorite book today—that was really thoughtful. How did it feel to help her out?” This practice helps kids understand the connection between kindness, gratitude, and happiness.
Why It Matters
Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good habit—it’s a life skill. Kids who practice gratitude regularly tend to be happier, more optimistic, and (bonus!) even sleep better. And for parents, these small moments of connection can create a ripple effect that strengthens the whole family dynamic.
So, the next time your day feels too busy, remember, building gratitude takes just two minutes. With these simple practices, you’re not only teaching your child an important skill—you’re also creating a culture of appreciation and positivity that will last a lifetime.
Let us know how these tips work for your family, and feel free to share your own ideas the next time we chat after class. We’d love to hear what’s working for you!
See you on the mat,
The BMA Team