Gratitude: Intentionally focusing on what’s good in our lives.

How Gratitude relates to Gender Equity.

To feel grateful, we need to stop what we’re doing, notice what feels good and see what is going well in the present moment. This grounds us firmly in our individual experience, which is a departure from following what society is always telling us to feel or do based on our biological sex/gender.

Gratitude’s positive energy also fills us with fuel for staying fully engaged in our lives and ready to take action.

Examples of what Gratitude looks like in an adult.

• Someone who takes time almost every day to appreciate the good that is in their lives.
• An adult who appreciates their progress, no matter how small.
• Someone who expresses appreciation to the people in their lives.
• An adult who has energy, is excited about life, and is pleasant to be around.

Examples of how we can teach Gratitude to our child.

• Role model all of the above.
• Share with our child what we notice and appreciate about them.*
• Talk about what we notice and appreciate about ourselves, others and the world we live in.
• Express when we like what we’re doing with our child. This validates their experience, too.
• Give our child opportunities to express what they’re grateful for and listen to them carefully.
• Share the details of what you notice when a child is doing or making, such as “I see the yellow lines are going up and down the page” or “Look at that. The smallest blocks are at the top and the largest blocks are at the bottom.” When we focus the child’s attention on those same details, we are helping them open up even more to their own experience.
• Almost every day, express our gratitude out loud without expecting any response from our child. “I love these fluffy clouds.” “I feel so content after such a great meal.” “I am so glad my friend listened to me when I was angry about something.” “I am so grateful for where we live. I love the big trees.” “I appreciate how unshakeable Malala Yousafzai is about providing education for all kids.”

*I am using “they/their/theirs/them/themselves” as singular pronouns.

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Developing Whole Children

Self Awareness | Reciprocity | Full Personhood | Equality | Physical Ownership | Verbal Conflict Resolution | Emotional Wellness | Advocacy | Humility | Authenticity | Contribution | Resiliency | Joy | Gratitude | Community | Critical Thinking