My Gratitude Jar (Kids)
A 7-day child-friendly gratitude log with 'thankful for' and 'because' columns, ending with the week's favourite good thing.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Positive psychology
- Approach / concern
- For Kids
- Technique
- Positive psychology
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the My Gratitude Jar (Kids)?
Gratitude activities for children encourage noticing and appreciating positive experiences and people. A gratitude jar makes the practice concrete and visible.
Why it works
Counting blessings was associated with increased gratitude and optimism and fewer negative feelings in early adolescents (Froh et al., 2008).
When to use it
- Children aged about 4-12
- Family routines
- Classroom wellbeing activities
- Children with low mood or worry
How to use it in session
- Choose a daily time (e.g. bedtime).
- Ask for one good thing and why.
- Write or draw it.
- Share your own.
- Review favourites at the end of the week.
Clinician tips
- Keep it brief and fun.
- Accept small things (a snack, a game).
- Don’t force gratitude on very hard days; validate feelings first.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
What if my child can’t think of anything?
Offer gentle prompts: something you ate, played, saw or someone who helped you.
Can gratitude help anxious children?
It can support positive emotions, alongside other coping skills for anxiety.
References
Froh, J. J., Sefick, W. J., & Emmons, R. A. (2008). Counting blessings in early adolescents: An experimental study of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of School Psychology, 46(2), 213-233.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
