The "Magic" Jar

Gratitude is an attitude of thankfulness, and we can teach our children to choose gratitude each day. Practicing gratitude teaches our children that the world is an abundant place, and there is enough goodness for everyone. Gratitude allows children to focus on what they have in their lives, instead of what they don't have, and it encourages them to expect even more to be grateful for. It also helps us to transform negative feelings into positive ones when we recognize all of the blessings we already have in our lives. When our children lack a sense of gratitude, they feel as though they are "not enough" and they believe that what they have is "not enough". This can wreak havoc on a child's sense of confidence and personal power, as they go through life trying to get more, do more and be more. As a parent, you can encourage a greater awareness of gratitude in your family using a Gratitude Jar. This is how the Gratitude Jar (aka "magic jar") works: 1. Purchase a mason jar of a decent size to use as your Gratitude Jar. 2. Label the jar so that everyone knows what it's for. Place some paper and a pen/pencil next to the jar. 3. Each day, encourage everyone in your family to write/draw 1 thing that they are grateful for, fold it and place it in the jar. 4. At the end of each day or week, gather everyone together to read all of the family "gratitudes" that were placed in the jar. 5. Empty the jar and start again! There are so many beautiful things about the Gratitude Jar: 1-It keeps everyone focussed on what is working in their lives and keeps the positive energy flowing! 2-It's such a great way to bring the family together each day, 3-It's an easy and fun way to teach your child about the importance of recognizing and celebrating the good things that happen in their lives each day. A Gratitude Jar can reap many wonderful rewards and benefits for your family, and promotes a sense of closeness and connection. Have fun expressing gratitude together!