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Gratitude, a simple act of recognizing and appreciating the good in life, is a cornerstone of happiness and emotional well-being.
By instilling a sense of gratitude in children from a young age, we help them develop an optimistic outlook, resilience, and the ability to find joy in the simple things. Quotes, with their poetic simplicity, can often convey profound wisdom.
In this article, we’ll explore 11 gratitude quotes perfect for children, designed to inspire a spirit of thankfulness. Each quote also has a journaling prompt that you could use with the kids.
Table of Contents
The Essence of Gratitude
Gratitude goes beyond merely saying “thank you.” It’s a deep-seated appreciation for life’s blessings, both big and small. It’s a mindset, a way of life, and as Cicero said, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all the others.” Nurturing gratitude in children can pave the way for a life filled with contentment, compassion, and genuine happiness.
11 Gratitude Quotes for Kids
#1 “It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.” – Margaret Laurence
Valuing relationships over possessions.
This quote underscores the significance of human connections and relationships over materialistic gains. While possessions can provide temporary happiness, it’s the bonds we form, the memories we create, and the people we surround ourselves with that offer lasting joy and fulfillment in life.
Journal Prompt: List five people who have made a positive impact on your life and describe how they did so.
#2 “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Anonymous
Appreciation brings contentment.
This quote emphasizes the transformative power of gratitude. By being thankful for what we have, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we possess, leading to a sense of contentment and fulfillment. Gratitude allows us to see the abundance in our lives, making us realize that we often have more than we think.
Journal Prompt: List three things you’re grateful for today and explain why.
#3 “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward
Express your thankfulness.
Gratitude gains its true value when it’s expressed and shared. Just as a wrapped gift holds its purpose when given, feelings of gratitude should be conveyed to magnify their impact and spread positivity.
Journal Prompt: Write about a moment you felt grateful but didn’t express it. How would things have changed if you had?
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#4 “Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” – Jean Baptiste Massieu
Heartfelt thankfulness leaves a mark.
True gratitude isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s a deep-seated feeling that the heart remembers. Such genuine appreciation creates lasting memories and strengthens bonds.
Journal Prompt: Describe a person who often shows gratitude. How do their actions impact those around them?
#5 “Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.” – Alice Morse Earle
Find the silver lining.
While every day might not be perfect, there’s always a positive aspect or a lesson to be learned. By focusing on these moments of goodness, we can cultivate a more optimistic and resilient perspective on life.
Journal Prompt: List three good things that happened today, no matter how small.
#6 “The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see.” – Mary Davis
Gratitude enhances perception.
Gratitude has the power to shift our perspective, allowing us to notice and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. When we approach life with a thankful heart, we become more attuned to the wonders around us, enriching our daily experiences.
Journal Prompt: Describe a time when your gratitude allowed you to see beauty in an unexpected place.
#7 “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” – Zig Ziglar
Gratitude attracts abundance.
Gratitude not only enhances our current state of well-being but also paves the way for future blessings. By acknowledging and appreciating what we have, we create a positive cycle where our thankfulness attracts even more reasons to be thankful.
Journal Prompt: Reflect on a time when your gratitude led to an unexpected positive outcome.
#8 “Gratitude is the best attitude.” – Anonymous
Thankfulness shapes mindset.
Adopting an attitude of gratitude can profoundly influence our outlook on life. By choosing to focus on the positive and being thankful for it, we cultivate a mindset that is optimistic, resilient, and content.
Journal Prompt: Describe a situation where adopting a grateful attitude turned a negative into a positive.
#9 “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” – Brene Brown
Happiness lies in the present.
True happiness doesn’t always come from grand or extraordinary events. Often, it’s found in the simple, everyday moments that we might overlook. By practicing gratitude and being present, we can recognize and cherish these moments, finding joy in the ordinary.
Journal Prompt: Describe a simple moment that brought you a lot of happiness.
#10 “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault
Small joys have lasting impact.
Often, it’s the little moments and gestures that leave a lasting impression on our hearts. Over time, these seemingly insignificant experiences can become cherished memories, reminding us of the importance of savoring every moment.
Journal Prompt: List three “little things” from this week that brought you joy.
#11 “Life is strange, beautiful, and terrifying…and I am thankful for every minute of it that I have had.” – Benjamin W. Bass
Embracing life’s complexities with gratitude.
Life is a tapestry of myriad emotions and experiences, some exhilarating and others challenging. This quote reminds us to be grateful for every moment, every emotion, and every experience, as they collectively shape our journey and make it uniquely ours. By embracing life with all its ups and downs, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for its beauty and mysteries.
Journal Prompt: Describe a moment in your life that was strange, beautiful, and terrifying all at once.
Ways to Use These Quotes
- Gratitude Jars: Create a jar where kids can add slips of paper with their daily thankful moments. Occasionally, read them together and reflect.
- Gratitude Trees: Craft a tree on paper and encourage kids to add leaves with things they’re grateful for.
- Quote Discussions: Choose a quote each week and discuss its implications and real-life applications.
- Gratitude Stones: Paint stones with these quotes and place them around the house. They serve as tactile reminders of gratitude.
Additional Resources
Gratitude Books For Kids
- Early Elementary Children (Ages 3-6)
- Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
- Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
Gratitude Activities For Kids
- Thank You Cards: Encourage kids to make thank you cards for friends, family, or teachers.
- Gratitude Journal: Dedicate a few minutes each day for kids to jot down things they’re thankful for.
- Gratitude Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items or experiences for children to find and express gratitude for.
Gratitude Resources For Parents & Caregivers
- “365 Thank Yous” by John Kralik
- Slumberkins Honey Bear Board Book and Bee Mini: Teach Kids Gratitude
- TED Talk: “Want to be happy? Be grateful” by David Steindl-Rast
What’s Your Favorite Gratitude Quote?
In the journey of life, gratitude stands as a compass, guiding us towards positivity, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us. As we share these quotes with the young ones, we’re not just teaching them a virtue but gifting them a perspective that will enrich their lives in countless ways.
So, what’s your favorite gratitude quote? Is there one from the list or do you have another? Share it by tagging me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches. I would love to see!
Let’s continue to sow these seeds of thankfulness, nurturing a future generation that values, cherishes, and celebrates the beauty in every moment.
Bye for now,
Prima from LittleYellowStar
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