No matter how your journey to parenthood began, no matter the number of children in your home, or your background, I am betting you are trying to raise children that are thankful. There are studies that suggest people who foster attitudes of gratitude are healthier, happier in relationships, sleep better and are less stressed. In our home visual reminders are very helpful at driving our family’s conversations and attitudes.
There are many, many ways to talk about gratitude. Our Thankful Tree has been a wonderful one in our home. Everyone in our family is encouraged to write down what they are grateful for and attach it to the tree. Watching the tree “fill out” each time and seeing the handwriting of our children as they grow has been a treasure. This can be a lovely centerpiece or fall decoration in your home, too.
To start this practice with your own family is simple!
Cultivate a Thankful Family By Making A Thankful Tree
Getting Started
Materials needed:
Branches – I collect branches from our birch tree which is forever “gifting” us with them in the yard. Many craft store carry branches as well if you are not as fortunate!
Leaves – I like ones like these, because they will last a long time, but there are many, many options, or you could make your own!
Ribbon/String
Hole punch
Container – Something large enough to hold your branches and stable so that your tree doesn’t tip
Permanent Markers
To begin, punch a hole in each leaf, and place a ribbon through the hole. Put the bare branches in your container, and set the leaves and markers nearby. The location will depend largely on how many little ones you have around. Try to keep the project in a central location and leaves and markers as accessible as possible. I find that if anyone has to go searching for items they are less likely to capture their gratitude spontaneously.
Explain to your family that they are welcome to write down something that makes them feel thankful on a leaf. Next they can attach it to the tree at any time. I encourage you to not set any limits on them! Let your tree grow as fast as their hearts desire. We invite guests in our home to participate and their leaves are a gift as well!
At the end of a month, you will have a lovely reminder of your blessings and have given all members of the family a chance to express and cultivate gratitude.
“ A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.”
-Cicero
