Gratitude is noticing the good things in life and appreciating them. Research with adults has linked gratitude practices with better mood and wellbeing, and many educators believe gratitude helps children build empathy and resilience.
But "be grateful" is hard for kids to grasp. Coloring makes it concrete: color something you are thankful for, and say why.
Gratitude coloring ideas
Thankful page
Each day or week, your child colors a picture of something they are thankful for: a pet, a favorite food, a friend, a toy. Write "I am thankful for..." underneath.
Pets are a favorite. A cat or dog from Trace Then Color: Cartoon Cats and Dogs can stand in for a beloved pet.
Food is another. A smiling slice of pizza from Trace Then Color: Cartoon Food Monsters makes gratitude for dinner funny.
Gratitude jar
Color small pictures, cut them out, write a thank-you on the back and drop them in a jar. Read them together at the end of the month.
Thank-you cards
Fold a colored page into a card for someone who helped: a teacher, a grandparent, a mail carrier, a nurse.
Gratitude chain
Color strips of paper, write something you are thankful for on each and link them into a paper chain. See how long it grows.
Thankful tree
Color leaves, write a thanks on each and stick them on a paper tree on the wall. Popular around Thanksgiving, but nice any time.
Make it a habit
Gratitude works best as a habit, not a one-off. Ideas:
- Gratitude Friday. Every Friday, color one thing you are thankful for that week.
- Dinner table share. Bring the page to dinner and share it.
- Bedtime thanks. Color a small picture before bed and say thank you for one good thing.
Model it
Color your own thankful page. Say out loud what you are grateful for and why: "I’m thankful for our dog because she makes me laugh every morning."
Keep it genuine
Avoid turning gratitude into a chore or a lecture. If a child is grumpy, it is fine to skip a day. Forced gratitude does not help anyone. Instead, notice and name gratitude when it happens naturally.
Gratitude for others
Ask, "Who are you thankful for?" and encourage kids to tell that person. A colored card delivered in person is a lovely way to practice expressing gratitude. See coloring pages as kindness cards.
Questions parents ask
At what age can kids understand gratitude?
Even preschoolers can name things they like and say thank you. Deeper understanding grows through the school years.
Is a gratitude jar good for classrooms?
Yes. Classroom gratitude jars and walls are popular, especially around Thanksgiving. See Thanksgiving kids’ table coloring.
My child says they are thankful for toys only. Is that OK?
Yes. Toys are a fine start. Over time, gently ask about people and experiences too.
About Kevin Coulston
Kevin Coulston is a cartoonist and member of the National Cartoonists Society who has written and illustrated more than 100 drawing, tracing and coloring books for kids, including the Trace Then Color series. Meet Kevin or browse all his books on FirstArtBooks.com.
