PJ Library's Eight Ways to Teach Kids About Gratitude

What’s Jewish about gratitude? So many things! In Judaism hoda'ah means gratitude or being thankful for what we have. But there’s also a phrase, hakarat hatov, which extends beyond simple gratitude to “recognizing the good” all around us. Hakarat hatov is something kids often practice pretty naturally when they’re little. For babies, everything is new and everything is amazing! As kids grow older, it’s hard to keep that sense of wonder. Modeling gratitude and practicing hakarat hatov helps children (and us grownups) remember to be thankful for things in our life beyond material possessions. Understanding that everything really is amazing helps all of us stay grounded, thankful, and healthy.