The Most Grateful Grandkids Have Grandmas Who Do These 10 Unexpected Things

Sharing is caring!

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s about noticing the good things in life and being thankful for them. As a grandma, you have the perfect chance to help your grandkids grow into thankful, kind-hearted people. Here are 10 fun and loving ways you can teach them about gratitude:

1. Start a “Thankful Jar” Together

Grab a jar, some paper, and pens. Every day or once a week, sit down with your grandkids and write one thing you’re thankful for. Fold the paper and drop it in the jar. At the end of the month, read them out loud together. You’ll be amazed at the sweet and silly things they come up with!

2. Model Thankfulness in Everyday Life

Kids learn best by watching you. Let them hear you say “thank you” often—whether it’s to a cashier at the store or someone holding the door open. When they see you being grateful, they’ll want to do the same.

3. Write Thank-You Notes as a Fun Activity

Pull out the crayons and markers! Help your grandkids make bright, happy thank-you cards for people in their lives—like teachers, neighbors, or friends. It’s a great way to show that saying thanks doesn’t always need to be spoken.

4. Share Stories About Hard Times

Tell them about a time when you didn’t have much—maybe when you were young and had to share one toy or wear hand-me-down clothes. Stories like these help kids understand why it’s important to be grateful for what they have now.

5. Make Giving a Family Tradition

Pick a charity or community project to do together. Maybe you donate toys to a shelter or bring canned food to a local pantry. Helping others reminds kids how lucky they are—and how good it feels to give.

6. Turn Chores into Thankful Moments

Even while folding laundry or cleaning the kitchen, you can turn it into a thankful moment. Say things like, “I’m so glad we have clean clothes to wear,” or “Aren’t we lucky to have warm food?” It turns ordinary tasks into lessons in gratitude.

7. Read Books That Teach Gratitude

There are many children’s books that talk about thankfulness in fun and gentle ways. After reading, ask your grandkids what they learned or how the story made them feel. Reading together is a cozy and meaningful way to share values.

8. Practice Gratitude Prayers or Reflections

At mealtimes or bedtime, take a quiet moment to each share one thing you’re thankful for that day. It can be a prayer, or just a quick thought like, “I’m thankful we got to play outside.” These small habits make a big difference.

9. Celebrate “Gratitude Day” Each Month

Pick one day each month to celebrate being thankful. You can make a special meal, draw pictures of things you love, or look through old photos and talk about fun memories. Make it a fun little holiday just for your family!

10. Use Nature Walks to Notice and Give Thanks

Take a walk outside and point out the beautiful things around you—like flowers, birds, or sunshine. Say things like, “Isn’t it wonderful we get to see this?” It helps kids notice the little gifts that are all around us.

Final Thoughts
Gratitude doesn’t have to be taught with big lessons or fancy plans. Just being together, sharing stories, and finding joy in the small things can teach your grandkids to live with thankful hearts. And the best part? You’ll both feel more grateful just by spending that time together.

Sharing is caring!