Gratitude Jar
A great activity for you and your kids
Mindfulness activities are wonderful for both kids and adults. Here is a great family activity to foster gratitude, connection and positivity.
We all know what gratitude is, and we've all experienced gratitude many times. One way we can describe gratitude is 'a feeling of happiness that comes from something that we appreciate'. Some things we may be grateful for in our lives could be:
- cuddling a pet
- riding a bike
- feeling the warm sun
- looking at the moon
- a favourite song
- a favourite food
- a special friend
- family
- a warm bed
- a swimming pool when it is hot
- hugs and kisses
- eating ice cream
- a new toy
- holidays together
- watching a favourite movie
When we are upset or stressed we can sometimes forget all the wonderful things in our lives. Encouraging children to remember things in their lives can be powerful. Feeling grateful can make you feel good. It's a great way to boost happiness together with your children.
What you need:
- a jar
- pieces of paper (coloured or white, it doesn't matter)
- coloured pencils. pens or markers
What you do:
- sit down with your kids and discuss the meaning of gratitude.
- list the things that you are grateful for and write the ideas on the pieces of paper. If your child is old enough they can write them themselves; for younger kids you can help with that. Young children can also draw pictures
- When you are ready, fill the jar with gratitude. It doesn't matter how many you start with. You can make this a regular habit by adding a few more each week as a family. You may want to choose a set day each week that suits your family, and read the new additions together before adding them to the jar
- Remind your children that they can visit the jar any time to remind themselves of all the things they are thankful for
- A gratitude jar will become a special family treasure you can all come back to for a boost of happiness. It's fun to look back at the contents of the jar to see what the family has experienced
You can also create different jars, for example a Kindness Jar.
Share your jars on Instagram and tag with @essentialwellnessyoga. I'd love yo see all of your creations.

