Growing Grateful Hearts: Fun Activities to Promote Gratitude
At The Bubble Bus, we believe gratitude is more than saying “thank you”—it’s a way of seeing the world. When children learn to notice and appreciate the small joys around them, they develop a positive outlook that supports emotional well-being, empathy, and strong relationships.
Gratitude can be nurtured from an early age, not through grand gestures, but by helping children slow down and reflect on the moments, people, and experiences that bring them joy. Practised regularly, it becomes a meaningful part of everyday life.
What Do the Experts Say?
Robert Emmons, a leading researcher on gratitude, found that regularly expressing gratitude increases happiness and reduces stress. His studies show that even young children benefit from developing a habit of appreciation.
Louise Hay, motivational author and speaker, believed in the power of positive thought patterns. She encouraged children and adults alike to reflect daily on what they’re thankful for to build a more compassionate mindset.
Rudolf Steiner, founder of the Waldorf approach, highlighted the importance of reverence and appreciation in early childhood. His work reminds us that celebrating daily rhythms and simple moments can shape a child’s inner world.
Together, these perspectives show us that gratitude is best taught through experience, reflection, and consistency.
Encouraging Gratitude at Home
At home, gratitude can be gently encouraged in everyday life in small but meaningful ways. Here are five simple activities that help children recognise and express appreciation:
Start a daily gratitude moment: At dinner or bedtime, ask each family member to share one thing they’re thankful for. It could be something as simple as a tasty snack or a kind word from a friend.
Create a gratitude jar: Keep a jar and small slips of paper handy so your child can write or draw something they’re thankful for. Review the notes together at the end of the week or month.
Make thank-you cards together: Encourage your child to make handmade cards or drawings for friends, family members, or community helpers to show appreciation.
Spot gratitude in the world: While out for a walk or at the shops, notice acts of kindness and say, “Wasn’t that thoughtful?” This builds awareness and empathy.
Tell gratitude stories: Share stories—real or fictional—that highlight generosity, kindness, and appreciation. Invite your child to talk about what they would feel or do in a similar situation.
Giving children regular opportunities to reflect on the good in their lives builds a lasting sense of gratitude. When children feel their thoughts and words are valued, they begin to see appreciation as a natural part of daily life.
At The Bubble Bus
Gratitude is part of our daily rhythm at The Bubble Bus. Whether it’s noticing the changing seasons, acknowledging a friend’s kindness, or celebrating a shared achievement, we help children build habits of thankfulness in playful and age-appropriate ways.
In group activities and storytelling, we reflect on what made us feel happy, proud, or cared for. During Arts & Crafts, children often create cards or drawings as gifts or tokens of thanks. In free play and group time, we gently guide children to express appreciation for others—whether it’s by offering a toy, saying thank you, or recognising kind behaviour.
These small, consistent moments build an awareness of the good that surrounds us. At The Bubble Bus, growing grateful hearts means helping children feel seen, supported, and connected—and encouraging them to share that feeling with the world around them.
