At Brave Little Heroes Psychology Hub, we believe that families thrive when they create moments of joy, connection, and gratitude together. Incorporating simple, fun activities into your family’s routine can nurture positive thinking, emotional resilience, and strong bonds. One of our favorites is the classic gratitude jar—but there’s so much more you can do! In this blog, we’ll share a collection of engaging activities, explain how they work, and highlight the emotional and psychological benefits they bring to the family table.
1. The Gratitude Jar: A Family Favorite
The gratitude jar is simple: each family member writes something they’re grateful for on a slip of paper and adds it to the jar. Over time, the jar fills up with wonderful reminders of life’s blessings—big and small. Families can read these notes together at the end of the month or on special occasions to reflect on what they’ve appreciated.
What It Promotes:
2. Highs, Lows, and Gratitudes: The Daily Check-In Game
During meals or bedtime, each person shares:
3. The Compliment Chain Game
In this playful game, each person gives a compliment to another family member, who then passes a new compliment to the next person. It’s like a game of “hot potato,” but with kindness!
4. Gratitude Walks: Explore and Appreciate Together
Take a family walk and, along the way, point out things you’re grateful for—like a sunny sky, friendly animals, or each other’s company.
5. Acts of Kindness Calendar
Create a monthly calendar with one small act of kindness for each day—like writing a thank-you note or baking for a neighbor. Celebrate the acts together at the end of the month.
6. Memory Jar or Box: Collect Happy Moments
Much like a gratitude jar, but with a twist! Family members write down happy memories and keep them in a jar or box throughout the year. On New Year’s Eve or special occasions, read them together.
What It Promotes:
7. Family Storytelling Night: Relive the Best Moments
Gather around and take turns telling stories about times when family members made you feel proud, happy, or inspired.
8. Gratitude Chef Challenge
Each week, one family member takes on the role of “Gratitude Chef,” preparing a meal or snack for everyone. During the meal, the chef shares what they’re grateful for and why.
9. Kindness Stones: Paint and Share Positive Messages
Gather smooth stones and paint them with positive words or pictures. Then, place them in your garden or around the neighborhood for others to find.
10. Family Vision Board: Dream and Appreciate Together
Create a family vision board with goals, dreams, and things you appreciate. Use it as a conversation starter to discuss what makes life meaningful and what you’re working toward as a family.
What It Promotes:
11. Reverse Bucket List Challenge: Celebrate the Past
Instead of listing future goals, create a “reverse bucket list” of amazing things your family has already done. Add travel memories, proud moments, or fun family traditions.
Bringing It All Together
Incorporating these activities—whether it’s filling a gratitude jar, taking gratitude walks, or painting kindness stones—can create lasting habits of appreciation and connection within your family. These small moments, shared stories, and simple acts of kindness help build emotional resilience, self-esteem, and stronger family bonds.
References
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2021). The Psychology of Gratitude. Oxford University Press.
This book highlights the role of gratitude in emotional wellbeing and relationships, emphasizing how it strengthens personal and social bonds.
Waters, L. (2022). Positive Psychology in Parenting: Building Thriving Families. Routledge.
Discusses the impact of positive psychology interventions, including gratitude, on family dynamics and child development.
Fredrickson, B. L. (2019). Love 2.0: Finding Happiness and Health in Moments of Connection. Avery.
Explores how small moments of connection, including shared positive experiences, enhance emotional wellbeing.
Seligman, M. E. P. (2018). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being. Atria Books.
A foundational text on how practices like gratitude and kindness promote flourishing and resilience.
Gordon, A. M., & Chen, S. (2022). “Do You Get Where I’m Coming From? Perceived Understanding Buffers Against the Negative Impact of Conflict on Relationship Satisfaction in Daily Life.” Journal of Family Psychology, 36(3), 313–323.
Shows how empathy and positive communication mitigate conflict and build stronger family connections.
Layous, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2021). “The How, Why, What, and When of Happiness: Positive Activities as a Structured Path Toward Well-Being.” Handbook of Well-Being. DEF Publishers.
Highlights the value of small positive activities, such as gratitude journaling, in fostering long-term happiness.
Waters, L., Allen, K. A., & Arslan, G. (2023). “The Role of Gratitude and Kindness in Promoting Psychological Resilience During Times of Crisis.” Journal of Positive Psychology, 18(2), 145–158.
Provides empirical support for how gratitude and kindness can build resilience, particularly in family settings.
Huppert, F. A., & So, T. T. C. (2021). “Flourishing Across Europe: Application of a New Conceptual Framework for Defining Well-Being.” Social Indicators Research, 163(1), 131–156.
Demonstrates that wellbeing is enhanced by activities that foster social connection and positive emotions.
Niemiec, R. M., & McGrath, R. E. (2019). The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate and Ignite Your Positive Personality. VIA Institute on Character.
Explores how developing strengths such as kindness, gratitude, and appreciation strengthens relationships and personal growth.
Brooks, A. W., & Schumer, H. (2023). “Acts of Kindness as Interventions to Boost Well-Being: A Systematic Review of Experimental Evidence.” Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 102, 104378.
Reviews the impact of kind actions on both the giver’s and receiver’s wellbeing, applicable to family-based practices.