Why we love Gratitude O'Clock
Interestingly (and amazingly), gratitude is linked to overall happiness. Research shows that regularly writing down what we're thankful for:
- evokes positive feelings and emotions
- reminds us of all the things and people who contribute to our lives
- helps build appreciation, empathy and kindness.
But we don’t come by an ‘attitude of gratitude’ naturally! We need to learn and practice – and that's what this activity is all about!
What to do
Grab a pen and paper and together with your kids start thinking about what gratitude is - be sure to includes your own examples too!
- Who's heard of gratitude? What do we reckon it means? (Noticing all the good things in our lives; feeling lucky and thankful for them.)
- What are some things that make us happy?
- Who are the greatest people in our lives?
- What sorts of things do these people do for us?
- What other things might we feel lucky, thankful or grateful for? Use language that best suits your family.
- What are some of our favourite sights, smells, or sounds?
- What do we like doing in the weekend?
Let kids know that anything we like, love, enjoy or appreciate is something we can feel grateful for – we've just got to remember to keep looking for it.
Ways to use Gratitude O'Clock everyday
- Make Gratitude O'Clock s a special time where you all think about something you're grateful for - mealtimes or bedtime can be a great place to do this. Jotting this down gives a wellbeing boost too.
- You could encourage your tamariki to create and send thank you cards for the people that they are feeling grateful for. Or leave chalk thank you messages for your nearby friends and neighbours to find.
