In this episode find out how gratitude helps fight depression and anxiety by re-wiring the brain. Find out how we have tried to teach our kids real gratitude, what works and what we did wrong.

Why is Gratitude so important

• It rewires the brain
• Increases will power
• Keeps you calm
• Boost morale
• Count your blessings
• The more you practice gratitude, the more attuned you are to it and the more you can enjoy its psychological benefits.

How to Cultivate Gratitude

Teaching Kids Gratitude

• What we NOTICE in our lives for which we can be grateful
• How we THINK about why we have been given those things
• How we FEEL about the things we have been given
• What we DO to express appreciation in turn

Tools to help with gratitude

• Gratitude Journal (Write down daily three things you are grateful)
• Write letters of thanks to people in your life.
• Give a "call out" or "ata boy" to someone each day.
• Donate to a charity to show gratitude
• Volunteer at a charitable organization. (justserve.org)
• Recognition awards - Darren's work has the ability to say thank you with a recognition award.
• Gratitude bucks - We have done this to teach children how to show gratitude.

Lemonade Moment of the Week

• Our kids and grandkids tell us what they are thankful for.

Links

• https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/the-amazing-way-gratitude-rewires-your-brain-for-happiness.html
• https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/4-ways-to-train-your-brain-for-positivity.html
• https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_parents_neglect_to_teach_about_gratitude
• http://justserve.org