Simple Daily Habits from the Vedas to Raise Grateful Kids

myNachiketa
Aug 8
3 min read

Gratitude acts as a golden thread, weaving connections between ourselves and the world around us. Imagine standing at the start of each day with a heart full of appreciation—this is where we can truly thrive and see the beauty in everything! Just like how the sun rises and fills our skies with light, we too can fuel our lives with gratitude.

1. Begin the Day with a Gratitude Mantra

In the Rig Veda, the rising sun is celebrated as the giver of life, reflecting joy and warmth. A lovely habit to cultivate is to help children greet the sun each morning. They can simply say “Thank you” with joined palms or chant the mantra Om Suryaya Namah. This expression helps kids realise that each day is a gift filled with possibilities.

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Kid-Friendly Tip: Make this a fun “Sun Salute Game” where they stretch, smile, and say thanks as they look up at the sun!

2. Eating with Awareness

The Taittiriya Upanishad beautifully teaches us that Annam Brahma, or “Food is divine.” To instill gratitude, let's create a little ritual before every meal. Kids can pause and silently think about the many hands that made their food possible—like farmers, nature, and the cook.

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Kid-Friendly Tip: Turn mealtime into a “Food Story” session where they narrate how their meal came from the farm to their plate.

3. Evening Reflection

Every day deserves a sweet closure! Guided by the principles of daily self-reflection found in Vedic practices. Children can consider three things they are thankful for before bedtime. For instance, “Papa helped me fix my broken toy,” “I saw a pretty butterfly in the garden,” or “Mamma made my favorite kheer for dessert.” Encouraging this habit helps children see the highlights of their day.

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Kid-Friendly Tip: Create a “Gratitude Jar” where they can drop colourful notes about their good and thankful moments!

4. Connecting with Nature

The Vedas remind us that Earth is like our nurturing mother, which we also call 'Dharti Mata'. Spend quality time outdoors with children—allow them to feel, smell, and see nature’s wonders. Touch a tree, watch birds, or even plant a flower together! This helps children in forming a connection with nature and being thankful for its beautiful gifts.

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Kid-Friendly Tip: Give them a “Plant Friend” to care for and name; this nurtures respect and gratitude for nature.

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6. Practising ‘Dana’ (Giving)

The Upanishads talk about Dana or giving, which is an essential virtue. Encourage children to regularly share—whether it's toys, snacks, or clothes. This act of generosity not only helps others but also enriches the giver’s heart.

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Kid-Friendly Tip: Introduce them to a “Giving Box” where they can add items, like their old clothes, books, or toys, to donate. At the end of the month, take the box to those in need!

7. Gratitude in Difficult Times

It is difficult to be grateful even during hard times. Teach children to stay calm in those moments and talk about what lessons they learned from them. For example, if it rains and the picnic gets cancelled, they might discover the joy of spending a fun day playing indoor games with family. Or, if they lose a race at school, they might realise how practising more can help them do better next time. This approach helps them become strong and grateful.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Encourage journaling or drawing about what they learned from tough situations, transforming each hardship into a learning milestone.

8. Expressing Thanks

Create a nurturing culture of gratitude by encouraging children to express thanks often. They can thank friends, family, and anyone they interact with—this practice strengthens relationships and makes gratitude feel natural.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Start a family tradition where each night during dinner, everyone shares one thing or person they are grateful for!

By introducing these simple daily habits inspired by the Vedas, we can nurture grateful children who appreciate life and its blessings. As they grow and take these practices into their lives, they will not only become more thankful but also inspire gratitude in others. Let’s join hands in this beautiful journey of gratitude together!