Post by dizzycooks on Mar 12, 2016 15:02:38 GMT -5
Does anyone keep a gratitude journal? I'm seriously considering that dh and I need to spend a few minutes each night identifying things about our day and each of our kids that we are grateful for. Dd1 is giving us a real run for our money and it's been very very unpleasant around here lately. I'd like to change that but we are at a loss. I e read everything Recommended to @leftie22 and we are trying some of it. Anyone have a tradition or habit they use in their house to end things on a positive note each day?
I've never been coordinated enough to write it down, but for a while there I would try to think about at least one positive interaction with the kids (or between DS and DD). I got kind of a kick in the pants yesterday that reminded me how lucky I am. BIL is visiting and we found out that he and SIL had a miscarriage last month. I feel so sad for them, and so grateful for my kids. It doesn't mean the kids won't drive me crazy every day, but I want to hang onto the gratitude I felt last night.
Sometimes "gratitude" feels too big, so I usually focused on the relationship between DS and DD, since that's what causes me the most stress and sadness. The moments when DS is rough stand out so much more than all the good moments. Purposely reflecting on all the good moment helped me to realize that he does a lot of cute and sweet things with DD, too. So maybe pick something you're struggling with and try to deliberately notice when there's a success in that area.
Maybe we should have a weekly gratitude check-in here to keep ourselves motivated?
I used to regularly, and sometimes still, think of at least one thing that I was grateful for when I get in bed at night. Could be something with the kids, or something smaller like a pretty sunset or a nice pen or good song on the radio or whatever. We pray before dinner and sometimes then we go around and ask everyone to say one thing that they were thankful for or happy about that day. I figure it's good for the kids, too.
I used to regularly, and sometimes still, think of at least one thing that I was grateful for when I get in bed at night. Could be something with the kids, or something smaller like a pretty sunset or a nice pen or good song on the radio or whatever. We pray before dinner and sometimes then we go around and ask everyone to say one thing that they were thankful for or happy about that day. I figure it's good for the kids, too.
Oh I absolutely what them to hear it. I figure dh and I might need some practice first though.
When we tuck the kids in at bedtime we ask them first I anything made them sad or frustrated today. Then we ask what made them happy....what was the BEST Part of their day (and sometimes we share our favorite part of the day with them too)....helps us all end on a good note.
After bath time but before we read stories, we each list the best thing that happened that day. DH and I always make our best thing about the kids. For example I'll say that I think the best part of the day was when DS offered to set the table without being asked. Or DH will say the best thing was when DD mastered the climber at the park.