Psychologist Martin Seligman, who has conducted studies on benefits of expressing thanks, writes, “Gratitude can make your life happier and more satisfying. When we feel gratitude, we benefit from the pleasant memory of a positive event in our life. Also, when we express our gratitude to others, we strengthen our relationship with them.”
For preschoolers, gratitude means learning how and when to say “thank you” to others. Parents can help them identify people, places, rituals, objects and events that make them feel thankful — such as playing with favorite toy, swinging at the playground, or reading with Grandma. Draw attention to gratitude by sharing good memories together, the types of “remember when” moments that bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Read more about the psychology of gratitude and get some simple tips that might work for your family.
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