Inside: Gratitude stones will help your kids cultivate a feeling of thankfulness, nurture their emotional well-being, and foster a positive outlook on life.
Do you want your children to be more thankful and appreciate the little things in life? According to a recent survey, 81% of parents are convinced that their children “are not grateful for what they have,” and 42% feel “embarrassed by how selfish their child acts.”
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for kids to get caught up in material things and take things for granted. But as parents, teachers, and caregivers, we have the rare power to influence our little ones, reinforce the importance of gratitude, and help them develop a positive attitude toward life.
Sounds good! But how do we start?!
One effective tool for cultivating an attitude of gratitude in children is using gratitude stones. This simple yet powerful activity can have a huge impact on our kids’ mindset and overall well-being.
In this article, I will explain the concept of gratitude stones, show how they work for us, and suggest how you can implement them in your daily lives to help your kids feel happier and more grateful. Let’s embark on this journey of gratitude together and witness the magic it brings into our kids’ lives.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
What are gratitude stones?
Gratitude stones are ordinary stones found during a leisurely stroll or a hike. (If it’s wintertime and you can’t find any stones, feel free to buy them, too). We love that our stones come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with each one having a distinct appearance, texture, and feel.
The only thing you need to do is to keep your gratitude stones where you can easily see them throughout your day as a tactile reminder to feel gratitude. I like to hold a stone, squeeze it in the palm of my hand, think of something that means a lot to me, and feel deeply grateful.
Simply put, the purpose of these stones is to prompt thoughts of gratitude whenever they are seen or felt.
Here are some places where I keep my gratitude stones.
- A gratitude stone resides on my bedside table. As I awaken each morning, I hold it, expressing thanks for the upcoming day. I just say whatever comes to my mind. Something like, “It’s going to be a great day! I’m so thankful I’m here for it,” then tuck it into my pocket. When I change my clothes, I move the stone to stay with me. Whenever I encounter it or remember it’s there, I pause to reflect on something I’m grateful for.
- Do you often find yourself stuck in traffic or waiting at a red light? Oh gosh, me too! I used to feel so frustrated (because I’m one of those people who can’t stay still). Now, I hold my gratitude stone and express my appreciation for the little blessings around me. I feel gratitude for the car’s service, thank the day for its beauty, or simply feel in my heart gratitude for being alive and well. The gratitude stone is a gentle reminder that every day is a gift, no matter what craziness happens in our lives.
- Finally, each of my handbags houses a gratitude stone, a small reminder to be thankful amidst the business of life. As I search for my credit card at the grocery store, it reminds me to appreciate the chance to provide my children with nutritious meals. Maybe I’ll express gratitude for my legs that carried me to the store or for my eyes that let me take in the world’s beauty – from the vast sky to the chirping birds.
Let’s explore the joy of gratitude stones with your children.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Gratitude Stones
Gratitude stones are a valuable tool for us and for teaching our children the important habit of feeling appreciation. They make the concept of gratitude more accessible to young minds. I will mention more ways to use gratitude stones as a family below.
Step 1: Walk
Start by taking a leisurely walk to gather some stones. Keep your eyes open and try to find a variety of stones when you are out walking. It would be a good idea to encourage kids to hold the stones in the palm of their hand to see if they are a good fit.
We also like to organize our stones so we can discuss the types of rocks we found on our walk. This activity not only promotes appreciation but also encourages outdoor exploration, making it a perfect blend of learning and play.
However, if you decide to explore the concept of gratitude stones in winter when the ground is covered in snow, and it’s impossible to see what’s underneath, you can easily buy gratitude stones. Here is my favorite set of stones. The stones are extremely beautiful and look great in my purse 🙂
Step 2: Talk
When you get home, teach your little ones how to use these gratitude stones. Have them hold a gratitude stone, maybe close their eyes, and encourage them to list all that they’re thankful for. If your kids have trouble getting started, guide them toward different topics dear to them – family, friends, health, education, etc..
Family is always a good place to start because we often take our family for granted. Friendships not only add value but also bring manifold enrichment to our lives. Health is a precious commodity, often overlooked until it’s compromised. Education is, of course, a key to unlocking opportunities in life, and having easy access to education is often taken for granted.
Ask your kids, who are the people and what the things that make them happy. Help them to come up with the list and keep it handy. To help you get started, my kids and I put together a list of 100 things to be thankful for.
Step 3: Find
Find good places to keep the stones that will help your child to nurture an atmosphere of gratitude and positivity. As I mentioned above, I keep a gratitude stone by the bed, in my pockets, in my car, etc. My kids have lots of stones in their rooms and quite a few in the car, so we can talk about it while driving.
Step 4: Dream
Next, make it a bedtime ritual to touch the stone and discuss the highlights of their day. This practice will wrap up your kids’ day positively, leading to pleasant dreams throughout the night.
Step 5: Give
Lastly, encourage your kids to share these gratitude stones with friends, relatives, and others. By distributing these stones, kids can spread positivity and cultivate an atmosphere of gratefulness and contentment.
What can be more rewarding than enabling your child to become a beacon of gratitude and joy? This simple act of sharing gratitude stones can have a profound impact, fostering a sense of happiness all around.
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