I truly believe that our attitude in life influences our lives in very real concrete ways. It also determines the joy (or lack of joy) we experience. The way we think about things determines our actions and therefore our results. I know of no surer way to happiness than having an attitude of gratitude. Today, I am very happy to have a guest to answer the question, “What is an attitude of gratitude?” Also, to share with us that we can teach ourselves and our kids how to have an attitude of gratitude. Expressions of gratitude always have a positive effect.
An attitude of gratitude is a mindset that focuses on recognizing and appreciating the good in our lives, no matter how small. It encourages us to shift our attention from what is lacking to what is already present and positive. This perspective fosters emotional resilience, strengthens relationships, and enhances overall well-being. By practicing gratitude regularly, we cultivate a more hopeful and compassionate outlook. This can be through journaling, verbal expressions, or quiet reflection. In essence, gratitude doesn’t just acknowledge blessings. It multiplies them by transforming our view of the world and deepening our connection to others.
Kat Kronenberg is a debut children’s book author living in Austin, Texas. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her hope and dream is that through reading we can encourage one another other to “follow our bliss.” We can stay in the arena fighting for our dreams, and allow joy and fulfillment to be our internal GPS. In addition to spreading her message through her children’s book Dream Big, she also provides interactive games that promote positive thinking. Common Core aligned discussion and project guides, and free downloadable activity sheets are available at www.katkronenberg.com.
Her book, Dream Big, (Greenleaf Book Group, January 2017) is available from Amazon (affiliate link) and other booksellers nationwide.
Helping Kids Develop an Attitude of Gratitude
By Kat Kronenberg
“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” —Helen Keller
Life can be hard. Life can be scary and filled with crazy twists and turns we don’t see coming. How do we navigate these crazy roads with our kids? How can we help them process their pain, disappointment, and perceived failures? BY DEVELOPING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE! As the famous attitude of gratitude quote goes, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
Attitude Of Gratitude Meaning
Viktor Frankl, who was the only survivor of his family along with his sister from the Nazi concentration camps, came out of this grueling experience to write a book he titled “Saying Yes to Life in Spite of Everything.” Our English translates this title to “Man’s Search for Meaning.” No matter how treacherous and scary the roads we travel, if we choose to say “Yes!” We find ways to use what we go through for the good of ourselves and others. Then we too can give our hardship meaning and purpose. We get to rise above the dark clouds to where the sun is always shining. Gratitude always lifts a fallen spirit.
Over the years, with a lot of research and trial and error, I found “three parts of the road” that can help lead and show our kids how to rise above. It shows where to travel, and what direction to go in so that they too can find meaning. This is important no matter how scary, dark, or undefined the turns that come racing into their reality might be. These three parts are your smile, hope, and connection.
A Smile: Your U-Shaped Bridge leads to an attitude of gratitude
A smile speaks every language. It transcends any hardship, changes the energy in a room, and the depth of a mood. A smile has power to create or change any reality. A smile allows us to give thanks no matter what, and develop an attitude of gratitude that can allow us to hold and withstand any load. If we can find a way by ourselves or with the help of another to put a smile on our face, we can prevail with a “YES”! We can cross any crevice. We have a U-Shaped bridge to anywhere.
Hope: Your “Pillar, Whoopy, Lovey, favorite blanket or stuffed animal” that is by your side no matter what happens
Hope is the pillar on one side of your U-Shaped bridge. I like to call this deeply-rooted, stable pillar a belief in yourself, your dreams, and the strength of “Something Bigger” that is out there always watching over you. When we believe in all three, we can endure almost anything. We have the warmest, safest, best blanket that can cover any pot hole we encounter. We can and will get to the other side and we are not alone.
Connection: A pillar of strength created by your ability to look into the eyes of someone you love dearly and see their adoration, inspiration, and motivation
As Frankl wrote in his book, “Love is the ultimate and the highest goal to which Man can aspire…In a position of utter desolation, when Man cannot express himself in positive action, when his only achievement may consist in enduring his sufferings in the right way – an honorable way – in such a position Man can, through loving contemplation of the image he carries of his beloved, achieve fulfillment.” A truly firm, enduring pillar on the other side of our U-Shaped bridge can weather any storm. It is the gift, beauty, and strength of love.
To make your kid’s U-Shaped Bridge the road they choose when they are lost and confused, every morning and night together name three things you are grateful for, and start sharing smiles every day. Help each other. Train one another to travel down the most beautiful landscaped roads. Allow each other to radiate smiles through tears, pain, and heartache. Share smiles of complete, abandoned, and silly fun with no care for how others will judge you. Give genuine smiles to people who have hurt or disappointed you; and smile just because.
Remember when we choose to say “YES” we are celebrating this great adventure we call life no matter what road we are on. We can always rise above, bridge any void with a smile, and find at least three things we are thankful for. No matter what kind of day we have had, we can always find, share, and smile about a best part.
Conclusion
I hope you found Kat Kronenberg’s words inspiring. Don’t forget as a parent that your kids are watching and modeling. The best way to teach an attitude of gratitude is to demonstrate one daily! Children and those around us learn more from what we do than what we say. When we consistently model thankfulness—saying “thank you” sincerely, pointing out the positives in everyday moments, and acknowledging the efforts of others—we create a powerful example. Sharing what you’re grateful for during meals or at bedtime can become a meaningful routine that invites others to reflect and join in. Even during difficult times, showing appreciation for small blessings teaches resilience and perspective. By living with gratitude, we create a ripple effect that encourages kindness, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for life in those around us.
Developing an attitude of gratitude begins with intentional daily practice. Start by setting aside a few moments each day to reflect on things you’re thankful for. This could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee, a kind word from a friend, or a moment of peace. Keeping a gratitude journal can help make this a habit. You can look back and see how much good exists in your life. Expressing appreciation to others, whether through a note, a text, or a heartfelt conversation, also reinforces gratitude. Over time, these small, consistent actions train the mind to notice and focus on the positive. This daily habit of having a grateful heart is important even during challenging times. In fact, I think it is essential to good mental health.
Do you find small things to be thankful each day? Take joy in the sun or the flowers. Recognize a smile or a laugh as good things for which to express gratitude. What is an attitude of gratitude really? It is just being thankful for our blessings no matter the size and looking for the silver linings.
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Farnian says
What a thoughtful post! As a family member who values emotional well-being, I’ve found that maintaining a grateful mindset really does make a difference in daily life. It takes a conscious effort to shift from negative thoughts to positive ones, but looking for the silver lining—even in small moments—is a great way to stay grounded. Expressing appreciation regularly not only lifts others up, it also helps ease negative emotions and strengthens our relationships. Thank you for the reminder that gratitude is a powerful and intentional practice. Attitude Of Gratitude is a critical need for everyone!
Joscelyn Booker says
Such a meaningful post! It’s so true that in high school and beyond, it’s easy to focus on negative things and overlook the positive things that surround us. Developing a thankful attitude, especially during difficult circumstances, can completely change how we experience life. I’ve started setting small gratitude goals and making an effort to express thankfulness on a regular basis—even for everyday things. Writing a letter of gratitude or simply recognizing the big things and the little ones has helped me see how grateful people truly live. This is a great reminder of the real definition of gratitude— choosing appreciation even in the face of negative experiences. If we don’t show our attitude of gratitude and tell our kids about everything we are thankful for, they will never learn.