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Growing Grateful Hearts: Cultivating True Gratitude in the Early Years

Gratitude is more than a polite “thank you.” It’s a deep emotional awareness that someone has done something kind, often at a cost or effort. For young children—especially those from birth to five—this understanding doesn’t come naturally. Their world is understandably self-centered as they are still developing their sense of self and others.

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Early childhood professionals have the unique opportunity to plant the seeds of gratitude early—helping children grow into more empathetic, resilient, and socially connected individuals. With intentional strategies and consistent modeling, educators can help even the youngest learners begin to recognize and express appreciation in meaningful ways.

Research shows that children who practice gratitude are happier, more empathetic, and build stronger relationships. Gratitude also supports emotional regulation and enhances well-being. While infants and toddlers may not fully understand the concept, early experiences shape the emotional and cognitive foundations needed for gratitude to grow.

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For preschoolers, developing language and social awareness allow for more intentional discussions and demonstrations of thankfulness. Rather than focusing on teaching gratitude as a behavior, think of it as a skill that develops gradually—nurtured by the environment and relationships children experience every day.

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Understanding Gratitude Through Development

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Infants (0–12 Months): Building Trust and Connection

Infants can’t express gratitude, but they can feel safety, comfort, and connection. When caregivers respond to their needs consistently and with warmth, infants begin to understand that they are valued. This trust becomes the emotional base from which gratitude later emerges.

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Toddlers (1–3 Years): Imitation and Emerging Awareness

Toddlers begin to understand routines and cause-and-effect. While their thinking is still egocentric, they notice when others help them. They may say “thank you” with prompting, but the emotion behind it is still developing. At this stage, modeling and repetition are key.

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Preschoolers (3–5 Years): Perspective-Taking and Real Understanding

By age three or four, children begin to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and intentions. They can start to comprehend that someone went out of their way to help them or give them something. This opens the door to a more genuine sense of gratitude.

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Some Strategies to Cultivate Gratitude in Young Children

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1. Model Grateful Behavior Daily

Children learn gratitude by watching adults. When educators consistently say “thank you” to children and each other, they model respectful, appreciative interactions. 

 

2. Incorporate Books and Storytelling

Picture books provide age-appropriate language and relatable characters for exploring gratitude. After reading, engage children in reflective conversations. Stories help children identify gratitude in familiar situations and give them words to express their feelings.

 

3. Create a Culture of Thankfulness

Make gratitude a part of your classroom culture. Even simple statements like “I love snack time” can be scaffolded to: “I am thankful we have yummy and healthy snacks today!”

 

4. Teach Perspective-Taking in Simple Ways

Help children understand that others’ actions have meaning and intention. Instead of prompting a forced “thank you,” guide them to reflect: “Ms. Rosa helped you zip your coat because she cares about you. What could you say to let her know you’re thankful?” Pointing out the “why” behind helpful acts builds understanding beyond manners.

 

5. Celebrate Acts of Kindness

Recognize when children help each other, and highlight the emotional effect: “You gave your friend a turn. That made him smile! That was a kind and thoughtful thing to do.” This encourages children to notice and value kindness, both given and received, which is a foundation for gratitude.

 

6. Use Creative Expression and Play

Art and pretend play are great mediums for teaching gratitude. Children can:

• Make thank-you cards for family members or staff.

• Create a “thankful tree” with paper leaves.

• Role-play scenarios where they help or thank each other.

Creative activities make abstract emotions more tangible and easier for young children to explore.

 

Expressions of gratitude vary widely across cultures. Some families may show thankfulness through actions rather than words. As educators, it’s important to validate all forms of gratitude and avoid enforcing a single cultural norm.

Engage families by sharing classroom gratitude activities and inviting them to share their own traditions. This fosters cultural responsiveness and strengthens home-school connections.

Teaching gratitude is not about rote politeness—it’s about nurturing an emotional skill that takes years to develop. In the early years, our role as educators is to provide rich, responsive environments where gratitude can take root and slowly grow. With patience, consistency, and a focus on meaningful relationships, we can help children grow grateful hearts that will serve them for life.

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~~~ To continue this topic of gratitude, join us for our FREE ZOOM workshop:

 

Growing Grateful Hearts: Cultivating True Gratitude in the Early Years

November 6, 2026      6:15-7:15 PM EST

Go to our training page to register! 

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