As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us look forward to gathering around the table, sharing meals, and reflecting on our blessings. While expressing thanks one day a year is wonderful, cultivating an attitude of gratitude in our homes is something we should aim for year-round. Gratitude is a biblical response to both blessings and challenges. Teaching our children to give thanks in all circumstances is not just about encouraging polite behavior but about helping them develop a heart that delights in God’s faithfulness.
Why Gratitude Matters
Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling—it’s a perspective that transforms the way we see the world. When our children learn to give thanks in all circumstances, they’re being shaped into people who look beyond themselves, notice God’s hand in their lives, and respond in trust, no matter the situation.
Scripture teaches us, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This verse doesn’t say to give thanks only when things are good, but in everything. Gratitude in times of blessing feels natural, but true gratitude is expressed when we trust God even in hardships. Developing this heart attitude takes time and intentional effort.
Practical Ways to Give Thanks in All Circumstances
Practicing gratitude in our homes doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be woven into the daily rhythms of family life through meaningful, yet simple, activities that encourage our children to notice God’s blessings and respond with thankfulness. From engaging hands-on projects to intentional moments of gratitude prayer and reflection, these practices are designed to help children recognize God’s goodness in every situation and develop a heart that overflows with gratitude, no matter the circumstances. Here are some simple, yet powerful, activities to help children build an attitude of thankfulness:
Create a “Thankfulness Jar”
Start by setting up a “Thankfulness Jar” in a visible place in your home. Provide small slips of paper and encourage each family member to write something they’re thankful for every day. It could be as simple as “sunshine” or as profound as “God’s comfort in difficult times.” Read these together weekly or at the end of the month to reflect on God’s blessings.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”
James 1:17
Memorize Gratitude Verses Together
Choose key Bible verses about thankfulness and recite them as a family. Verses like Psalm 136:1 (“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever”) can be a great place to start. Add hand motions or visual aids for younger children to help them engage with the verses. I have a collection you can get and print for yourself, you can sign up for it in the form below.
The “Thankfulness in Hard Times” Prayer Journal
Teach your children to recognize God’s hand even in difficulties by starting a “Thankfulness in Hard Times” prayer journal. Have them draw or write about something challenging they are facing, then write down a prayer of thanks for how God is using this situation to help them grow. This activity helps children see that God is at work even when things aren’t easy.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
James 1:2-3
Serve Others Together
One of the best ways to instill a heart of thankfulness is by serving others. Look for opportunities to volunteer as a family—whether it’s baking cookies for an elderly neighbor, writing thank-you cards for church workers, or donating toys to a local shelter. When children see how blessed they are and have the opportunity to bless others, it naturally fosters gratitude.
Set Aside Time for Family Thanksgiving Prayer
Gather your family and set aside a few minutes each evening to pray and thank God for His blessings that day. Go beyond material things and focus on thanking God for His character (His love, mercy, and faithfulness), His presence in hard times, and His provision for your family’s needs. Encourage each child to take turns praying. This not only helps them verbalize their gratitude but also allows them to see how much they have to be thankful for.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
The “Gratitude Detectives” Game
Make thankfulness fun by turning it into a game! Designate a day to be “Gratitude Detectives,” where everyone tries to spot at least five things to be thankful for. Challenge them to notice blessings they might often overlook: clean water, the ability to read, a sibling’s act of kindness, or God’s creation around them. Celebrate their findings at the end of the day!
Gratitude in Both Blessings and Challenges
While it’s easy to thank God for good things, the real test of our gratitude comes when life is hard. Children learn from watching us. When we, as parents, model gratitude during difficult times, our kids see what it means to trust God’s goodness, no matter what.
If your family is going through a tough season, be honest with your children about the struggle. Then, help them find specific things to thank God for, even in the midst of pain. Whether it’s a kind friend, the comfort of God’s Word, or the strength to face another day, teaching your children to be thankful during hardships prepares them to see God’s faithfulness in every season of life.
Cultivating a Lifestyle of Gratitude
Gratitude takes practice. Just as we train our children to say “please” and “thank you,” we must also intentionally lead them to give thanks in all circumstances. By making gratitude a daily practice, supported by God’s Word and prayer, we can help our children build a habit of noticing God’s goodness and thanking Him for it.
As you head into the Thanksgiving season, I encourage you to embrace these practices and make thankfulness an everyday part of your family’s life. After all, gratitude is more than a holiday tradition—it’s a lifestyle that reflects the heart of God.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Blessings to you and your family as you give thanks in all circumstances this season!
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Lisa Garrison, a Christian homeschooling mother of four boys, and her husband Jon, navigate the challenges of raising a special needs family with faith and dedication. They are committed to supporting others through guidance and resources, reflecting the grace they receive from God. Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, leading their Bible study group, and sharing their journey on Grace In Every Season podcast. Learn more about their story at God’s Given Grace and Vibrant Home Life.
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