As we wind our way through the holiday season, we have the perfect opportunity to slow down and reflect on what truly matters. For children, learning to practice gratitude can be a powerful tool — not just for celebrating the season, but for building long-term emotional wellness. 

We’ve created a guide to help you raise healthy, grateful children, for the holidays and beyond.

Why gratitude matters for kids

Gratitude goes beyond good manners, it plays a vital role in a child’s emotional and mental development. Studies show that children who practice gratitude tend to be more optimistic, have higher self-esteem, and experience fewer behavioral issues. They’re also better equipped to handle stress and build stronger social connections.

At Ocean Pediatrics, we believe emotional wellness is just as important as physical health. When kids feel supported in expressing appreciation, they build empathy, resilience, and a deeper sense of joy in their daily lives.

H0w to nurture thankfulness, at any age

Here are simple ways to help children of different ages and levels of maturity practice gratitude this season:

Toddlers & preschoolers

Gratitude through storytelling: Read books about kindness and thankfulness to introduce the concept through characters they love.

Model thank-you behavior: Saying “thank you” regularly around your child shows them how gratitude fits into everyday life.

Elementary-age kids

Thankful jar or tree: Create a visual way to share things you’re thankful for each day as a family.

Kindness notes: Encourage your child to write or draw little notes of appreciation for teachers, friends, or siblings.

Tweens & teens

Gratitude journaling: A few minutes of writing each day about what they’re thankful for can help them reflect and reset.

Volunteering together: Choose a local cause and spend time giving back as a family. Giving can help teens recognize what they have and feel empowered to help others.

Making gratitude part of your family’s rhythm

Although the holidays give us all a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for, this can (and should) be a joyful part of your family’s everyday routine. Try adding a quick gratitude moment during dinner, bedtime, or car rides. Over time, these little reflections can create a lasting sense of peace, empathy, and connection.

At Ocean Pediatrics, we want to be more than your healthcare provider — we want to be part of your extended family. We’re here to support your child’s growth, not only physically, but emotionally and socially as well. As you gather with loved ones this season, we wish you moments filled with warmth, connection, and deep appreciation: for every little giggle, milestone, and memory.

If you’d like to get in touch with us for any reason, please feel free to make an appointment with us. We’ll be grateful that you did!