Great (Grateful) Kids

As you snuggle up with someone you love or alone with your thoughts, I hope you ponder all the good stuff in your life today... and say, "Thank You."

My kids and I have a "Secret" bedtime ritual. I've been sharing this exercise with my nine-year old for about a year and just started with my four-year old as well. 
 
We share a nightly "gratitude list" with one another. This is typically framed by a simple question such as, "What were your favorite things about today?" We snuggle up close and quietly share all the good stuff of the day. 
 
I'll admit to "leading the witness" a few times but it's become a wonderful way to emphasize appreciation for what we are so fortunate to be, do and have. My goal of course is to raise great, grateful kids. 
 
My niner has watched the movie of The Secret with me and knows about The Law of Attraction. As such, she'll usually add in some extra universal kissing-up like, "I'm also thankful for our health... our happiness... and money and stuff."  
 
This precious child just began a month long treatment for Lyme Disease and has had a difficult time recently. I asked her if she really felt thankful for her health despite what she's been going through. 
 
She replied, "Well, I'm really glad I know why I've been feeling so awful. And at least this is going to go away. Lots of kids have stuff that doesn't go away for like, ever." 
 
This too shall pass. The special bedtime moments and the yucky medicine too. 
 
As you snuggle up with someone you love or alone with your thoughts, I hope you ponder all the good stuff in your life today... and say, "Thank You."