Dear Nautilus Families,

With the holiday season approaching, it’s a wonderful time to focus on teaching our children the value of gratitude. As we know, gratitude goes beyond simply saying “thank you.” It involves truly recognizing and appreciating the people, experiences, and things that bring joy and fulfillment into our lives.

Here are some ideas on how to help children understand and express gratitude in meaningful ways:

1. Model Gratitude in Daily Life: Children learn so much from observing the adults around them. By regularly expressing gratitude in your daily interactions, they will begin to see how gratitude can become a natural part of their own behavior. Share what you're thankful for, even in small, ordinary moments.

2. Encourage “Thank You” Rituals: Simple practices, like sharing one thing everyone is grateful for at dinner or during bedtime, can help children focus on positive aspects of their day. This can be a relaxing way to bond and reflect, helping children develop a habit of noticing what’s good in their lives.

3. Teach the “Why” of Gratitude: When children give or receive, it’s helpful to talk about the reasons behind their gratitude. Discussing why they feel grateful for certain things helps deepen their understanding and allows them to express appreciation sincerely, rather than just going through the motions.

4. Practice Giving Together: Engaging in charitable activities as a family is a hands-on way for children to understand the value of giving and receiving. Whether it's donating toys, spending time at a community event, or helping someone in need, these actions help them appreciate what they have and recognize the joy of helping others.

5. Create a Gratitude Journal or Jar: Encourage children to write down or draw pictures of things they are thankful for. Over time, this collection becomes a beautiful reminder of the good in their lives, especially on days when they might be feeling down.

6. Acknowledge Effort and Kindness: Gratitude extends beyond objects to actions. Let your child know when you appreciate their kindness or hard work and encourage them to do the same with others. Recognizing these qualities reinforces a grateful and empathetic mindset.

We’re excited to support these practices at school and look forward to partnering with you to foster a culture of gratitude that will serve our children now and in the future.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for everything you do to nurture these values in your child’s life.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Carlton

Nautilus School Counselor

Email: Elizabeth.Carlton@lhusd.org
Phone: (928) 505-6070