This is a simple, step-by-step guide to making your family gratitude jar. This is more than a craft, it’s a family tradition; a way to foster quality family time, teach the importance of gratitude, and a vessel to hold treasured family memories!
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a mindset that can transform your outlook on life, improve your mental health, and strengthen relationships. One of the simplest and most powerful ways to cultivate gratitude is through a family gratitude jar. This fun, meaningful activity allows everyone in the household to reflect on the good things in their lives, big or small. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bond as a family and build a culture of appreciation.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to make a family gratitude jar, and explain why this small habit can have a big impact on your family dynamics!
There are many ways to decorate your gratitude jar. You can use stickers, paint, ribbon, etc. Unleash your creativity! In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make a chalkboard paint jar.
What You’ll Need:
- A jar: Any size will do. I used this large half gallon jar from Michaels.
- Chalkboard paint: I used this chalkboard spray paint from Lowes.
- Newspaper or paint drop cloth: to protect surfaces while you spray paint.
- Chalk: for writing on the jar (once dry).
- Small pieces of paper or notecards: These will be used for writing down what you’re grateful for. You can cut regular paper into small strips or buy pre-cut notecards.
- Pens or markers: For writing gratitude notes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making your Family Gratitude Jar:
- Prep the jar by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner.
2. Find a good, non-windy outdoor space to paint.
3. Set up newspaper or drop cloth to protect surfaces.
4. Remove lid and place jar upside down on newspaper or drop cloth.
5. Follow instructions on spray paint jar regarding distance to spray and how long to wait between coats.
6. Spray 2-3 coats of paint & wait recommended time on paint can before writing on it with chalk (I sprayed 3 coats total, allowing the paint to dry for about 3 hours between each coat).
7. Once paint is dry, choose what you will write on your jar with chalk. Here are some suggestions:
- “Family Gratitude Jar”
- “A Grateful Heart is the Best Kind to Have”
- “Gratitude Turns What we have into Enough”
- “Gratitude Sweetens even the Smallest Moments”
- “Choose Gratitude”
8. Add a ribbon or other embellishments, as desired.
FINISHED PRODUCT!
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Family Gratitude Jar:
- Set Up the Jar
Find a prominent place in your home, like the kitchen counter, living room table, or a family room shelf, where everyone can easily access the jar. The goal is for it to be visible and easily reachable, so family members are reminded to add their gratitude notes regularly. - Make a Family Gratitude Routine
Set a time each day or week for everyone to contribute to the jar. This could be during dinner, before bed, or even on Sunday evenings. The key is consistency—over time, these moments of reflection will become a cherished family tradition. - Write Down What You’re Grateful For
Each family member writes down something they’re grateful for. It can be something big (like a family vacation or a new house) or small (like a beautiful day or a delicious meal). The point is to focus on the positives, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Encourage kids to express their gratitude too, whether it’s for something they experienced that day or just something they appreciate about their family or life in general. - Read the Notes
Once the jar starts filling up, take time as a family to read the gratitude notes aloud. You can do this during a family dinner, a Sunday gathering, or a special occasion like New Year’s Eve. Reading the notes together is a powerful reminder of the positive things that are happening in your lives, and it reinforces feelings of thankfulness and joy. - Make It a Tradition
The gratitude jar doesn’t have to be just for special occasions. It’s something you can do year-round to keep a positive mindset in the family. At the end of the year, you can read all the notes as a reflection of how much you’ve grown and all the moments of joy that you’ve shared.
Why a Family Gratitude Jar is So Cool:
1. Strengthens Family Bonds
Gratitude fosters connection. When family members take the time to acknowledge and share what they appreciate about each other and the world around them, it creates a sense of closeness. As you reflect on shared experiences and moments of happiness, you reinforce positive relationships and cultivate a deeper sense of love and respect within the family unit.
2. Promotes a Positive Outlook
Life can get hectic, and sometimes it’s easy to overlook the good things happening in our day-to-day lives. A gratitude jar serves as a gentle reminder to focus on the positives, even when things feel challenging. Regularly adding to the jar helps everyone, including kids, develop a habit of noticing and appreciating the good moments in life, leading to a more optimistic mindset overall.
3. Teaches Kids to Appreciate the Little Things
Children are naturally attuned to their immediate desires and wants. But by introducing the gratitude jar, you help them develop an awareness of the everyday blessings they might otherwise take for granted—like a kind gesture, a sunny day, or a home-cooked meal. This practice encourages them to pause and appreciate even the smallest details, which can promote a deeper sense of contentment.
4. Improves Mental Health
Gratitude is closely linked to improved mental health and well-being. Studies show that practicing gratitude regularly can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase happiness. By making gratitude a part of your family’s routine, you are actively cultivating emotional resilience and fostering a healthier environment for everyone.
5. Creates Family Memories and Traditions
The gratitude jar is not just a one-off activity—it’s a long-term family tradition that can become a treasured part of your family’s legacy. Each year, you can look back at the notes and reflect on how far you’ve come, what you’ve been through, and what still brings you joy. This creates shared memories and reinforces a culture of appreciation that can last for generations.
6. Reduces Negative Emotions
Focusing on gratitude helps reduce feelings of jealousy, frustration, and resentment. As a family, the more you consciously acknowledge what you’re thankful for, the less room there is for negativity to take hold. Over time, this helps create a more harmonious and peaceful home environment.
A family gratitude jar is a simple, yet powerful tool that brings families together and promotes a culture of appreciation and positivity. It provides an easy way to reflect on the blessings in life, build strong relationships, and boost everyone’s well-being. Whether you’re creating a new family tradition or looking for a way to enhance your family dynamic, a gratitude jar is a small change that can have a big impact.
So gather your family, decorate your jar, and start filling it with all the little and big things that make your life special. The more you practice gratitude, the more you’ll begin to notice just how much there is to be thankful for!
