Living on the small island of Malta gives me a special chance to deeply appreciate and feel grateful for the beach. The beach is more than just a place with sand and water. It’s a symbol of freedom, relaxation, and happy memories.
As a life coach and a mom to a toddler, practicing gratitude is part of our daily life. Every day, our family talks about the things we’re thankful for, showing our son how to be grateful too.
When we say “thank you” or hear someone else say it, our brains release chemicals that make us feel happy. Practicing gratitude regularly helps our brains stay happy and positive. Studies have shown that grateful children feel less stressed, are happier and have better relationships.
Lessons from the Beach
With summer round the corner, the beach can be a powerful teacher of gratitude for children of all ages. Here are some fun activities to try:
Treasure Hunt
Encourage children to look for unique shells, and interesting stones and look out for marine life. Each discovery becomes a moment of gratitude, teaching them to appreciate the simple things around them. This activity sparks curiosity and helps them appreciate the beauty of nature.
Building Sandcastles
Help children build sandcastles and encourage them to be thankful for the tools they use, such as buckets, shovels, and their own hands. This activity helps them appreciate the teamwork and cooperation involved in creating something together.
Mindful Walking
Take a slow, mindful walk along the beach. Ask children to notice how the sand feels under their feet, the smell of the salty air, and the warmth of the sun. Encourage them to think about things they are grateful for as they walk. This practice helps them connect with their surroundings and cultivate a sense of gratitude for the present moment.
Sunset Time
Before packing everything to go home, sit together and watch the sunset. Ask children to close their eyes and listen to the sounds of the beach. Teach them to appreciate peacefulness and express gratitude for the beauty of nature. Ask them about their favourite part of the day to reinforce the habit of expressing gratitude. This exercise helps them focus on the present moment and find joy in nature’s simple pleasures.
Leaving Footprints
When it’s time to leave, encourage children to clean up and leave only footprints. This teaches them to take care of the environment and be grateful for the natural world. This activity fosters a sense of responsibility and gratitude for the natural world.
Art with Beach Materials
Encourage children to create art using materials they find on the beach, like shells and stones. This activity allows them to express gratitude creatively while enjoying the tactile experience of working with natural materials.
Journaling
Give kids small journals to write or draw about their beach day and what they are grateful for. This could include specific moments, sights, or feelings they enjoyed and help them reflect on their day, strengthening their gratitude practice.
By exploring the beach with a grateful heart, we help kids appreciate the world and carry this positive mindset into all parts of their lives. Let’s enjoy this journey of gratitude, one sandy step at a time!
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Christine Fava is an integrative coach at Willingness. She graduated from the University of Malta with an Honours degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing an ICF Diploma in Integrative Coaching. She is passionate about integrative coaching, believing it helps individuals achieve their personal and professional goals by addressing topics like confidence, relationships, time management, and stress management.
References
Bono, G., Froh, J. J., Boles, D. B., & McKnight, P. (2014). Beyond reciprocity: Gratitude and relationships in everyday life. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 31(5), 652-677. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407513508232
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377
Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 890-905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.005