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The Power of Gratitude

Andrea Robbins • November 24, 2024

ONE simple practice can impact 35 areas of your life

If you’re looking for simple ways to boost positive feelings (and outcomes) in every area of your life, I have some great news. It’s easy and it’s free and it’s backed by scientific research! 


It has an effect on everything from your sleep to confidence, and even lengthening your life. 

This little miracle is the practice of gratitude. And below I’ll show you how you can teach it to your children in 3 easy ways.


Because research has shown that practicing gratitude can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being and enhance feelings of happiness and an overall positive mindset. (Who doesn’t want that!?)


It also helps with emotional regulation, your relationships, helps build resilience (by shifting focus from what’s wrong, to what’s good), and emotional intelligence.


When our children are young we teach them to say “thank you”. It’s a social norm, right? And we want our kids to appreciate things. But it becomes a reflex in a way that removes the best part...

We often don’t even feel anything when we say it!


So how do we instill true appreciation and authentic gratitude in our children and make it a regular part of their lives so they can reap all the benefits it offers?


1. Be a role model:

Show your kids what it means to be grateful. Thank them when you notice them doing something you asked or something you didn’t. Mention when you observe something helpful or something you like.


2. Make gratitude a part of your child’s routine:

At the end of the day or at dinner tell each other 3 things you are grateful for/liked about the day. Even if it was a “bad” day this will help your child(ren) see the light through the dark.


3. Find ways to say “thank you” to those who help (ie. teachers, bus drivers, security guards)

Make a card, or cookies, or just offer a smile and “thanks”.


These are just a few ideas, but the list is endless. Making gratitude part of your family’s daily routine will help make this practice a lifelong habit.


If you would like personalized support in how to implement this, book your FREE 30-minute call here-- Only 2 spots left for December. 


Warmly (and gratefully), 

Andrea





P.S. And if you're curious about the science (like I am!) here’s the article OR below is a concise summary of the 35 scientific benefits of gratitude:


1.Affirmation of Goodness: Gratitude acknowledges positive aspects of life and sources of goodness from others.

2. Improved Sleep: Practicing gratitude fosters positive thoughts, leading to better sleep quality.

3. Lowered Blood Pressure: Grateful individuals often exhibit healthier lifestyles, contributing to lower blood pressure.

4. Reduced Overeating: Gratitude helps increase willpower against unhealthy eating habits.

5. Higher Exercise Motivation: Grateful people tend to be more active and engage in healthier physical behaviors.

6. Stronger Immune System: Gratitude enhances immune function, reducing the risk of diseases.

7. Increased Pain Tolerance: Regular gratitude practice helps mitigate sensitivity to pain.

8. Better Blood Sugar Control: Grateful individuals may experience better glucose management.

9. Extended Lifespan: Gratefulness correlates with longevity, reducing heart disease risk.

10. Support for Heart Patients: Gratitude can lower inflammation in patients with heart conditions.

11. Boosted Self-Confidence: Gratitude can enhance self-esteem, particularly in athletes.

12. Improved Patience: Grateful people exhibit better patience and delay gratification.

13. Enhanced Resilience: Gratitude promotes positive outcomes post-trauma, helping build resilience.

14. Reduced Envy: Practicing gratitude shifts focus from what others have to personal blessings.

15. Increased Optimism: Gratitude interventions lead to a more positive outlook on life.

16. Less Materialism: Gratitude encourages appreciation of non-material aspects of life, enhancing overall well-being.

17. Greater Forgiveness: Thankfulness can enrich interpersonal relations and facilitate forgiveness.

18. Support in Depression Management: While it doesn’t cure depression, gratitude can alleviate its symptoms and enhance well-being.

19. Aid in Recovery from Addiction: Gratitude fosters humility and promotes a positive outlook during recovery.

20. Enhanced Vitality: Grateful individuals often exhibit higher energy levels.

21. Spiritual Enrichment: Gratitude is a significant aspect of many spiritual practices.

22. Mood Enhancement: Regular gratitude practice improves overall mood and emotional health.

23. Effective Grief Management: Gratitude helps address sorrow by focusing on what remains.

24. Positive Memory Reinterpretation: It allows individuals to revisit memories positively, aiding closure.

25. Increased Long-Term Happiness: Regular gratitude practice can enhance happiness by over 10%.

26. Strengthened Romantic Relationships: Expressing gratitude improves the quality of romantic partnerships.

27. Improved Friendships: Gratitude reinforces bonds and enhances communication with friends.

28. Enhanced Family Support: Grateful families fare better emotionally and face challenges more effectively.

29. Fostering Healthy Social Circles: Grateful individuals attract like-minded, positive people.

30. Employee Retention: Gratitude in the workplace encourages employees to stay longer.

31. Heightened Productivity: Workers feel more motivated and productive when appreciated.

32. Better Colleague Relationships: Gratitude nurtures a positive work environment and camaraderie.

33. Improved Decision-Making: Gratitude cultivates patience, aiding in more effective choices.

34. Increased Fulfillment at Work: Expressing gratitude gives meaning and purpose to one’s work.

35. Fostering a Positive Work Environment: Gratitude contributes to a healthier and more supportive workplace.

New Year Check In: Intention Setting for Parents

By Andrea Robbins • January 6, 2025
As the New Year gets underway, many of us think about fresh starts and resolutions. For parents, this provides an opportunity to reflect on how we want to show up for ourselves, our families, and our children in the months ahead. Instead of focusing on rigid, Pinterest-worthy resolutions (which I believe sets us up for failure), consider setting intentions. Intentions are similar to resolutions, but they are kind of like the cooler, less judgmental cousin. What Are Intentions? Think of intentions as flexible guideposts that nudge you in the right direction. They gently guide your actions and focus on the energy and values you bring to your day. They are rooted in who you want to be , not just what you want to do . Best of all, intentions are about progress, not perfection. And honestly, in parenting, we need all the little wiggle room we can get. Why Intentions Are a Parenting Lifesaver Because parenting is an ever-evolving journey and there are no one-size-fits-all answers (despite what the internet says), intention setting allows us to embrace the idea that we are always learning, growing, and aiming to be the best parents we can be. Setting intentions allows us to stay grounded in the chaos and helps us to remember what matters most: connection, love, presence, and understanding (and surviving bedtime). This is especially important as we juggle so many roles and responsibilities. Intentions remind us to focus on what we can control- our mindset, our reactions, and our ability to support and nurture our families- even when life throws us curveballs. How to Set Intentions Reflect on What Matters Most Take a minute (probably in the shower, because that might be your only alone time) and think about what you value as a parent. What do you want to prioritize this year? Is it more patience, quality time, or more family fun? Reflect on the big picture and let your intentions come from what’s most meaningful to you. Be Specific AND Flexible Intentions should feel aligned with your values, they also need to be specific enough to guide your actions. For example, instead of saying, “I want to be more patient,” you might say, “I intend to pause and take 3 deep breaths before responding when I feel frustrated (and my kids are bouncing off the wall)”. Keep It Kind Be gentle with yourself. Remember, no one gets it right every day. Parenting is challenging, and some days don’t go as planned. Intentions are about progress, NOT perfection. Mess up? No problem! You’ll have another chance tomorrow. Involve Your Family Make it a family affair. Ask your kids, “What’s something we can work on together this year? You might hear some gems like, “We can all try and listen more” or “Let’s eat more ice cream.” Either way, it’s a win, because this will foster a sense of teamwork and shared purpose. Final Thoughts At the end of the day, intention setting is NOT about fixing yourself or your family. (Spoiler: You’re not broken.) As you set your intentions, remember it’s about showing up with love, some humor, and a whole lot of imperfection. Parenting can be messy, and it’s also full of moments that make it all worthwhile. Here’s to a year filled with connection, love, laughter, and mindful moments! You’ve got this, even on days it doesn’t feel like it. What’s one intention you’re setting in the New Year? Share it in the comments or send me a message- I’d love to hear from you! Warmly, Andrea

Learn How Transitions Can Strengthen Connection

By Andrea Robbins • December 10, 2024
This morning, I watched a mom trying to get her toddler to leave the playground by saying, “Bye, I’m leaving!”. The little one ignored their mom and continued playing. The mom took a few steps, as if to leave, looked at her phone (now distracted), and allowed her child to continue playing. Every few minutes the mom would repeat her request (with a lack of emphasis) and the standoff continued. This approach—pretending to leave—rarely works and can feel unsettling for a child. Imagine thinking your grown-up might leave you alone in a public space. So scary! Over time, it teaches fear, doubt, and mistrust. Worse, kids learn to tune you out because your words don’t match your actions. What parents want is a child who listens, cooperates, and trusts them. That starts by building habits and routines early that strengthen connection and trust. Here’s a better way to handle leaving the playground: Acknowledge their feelings: “You’re having so much fun, and it’s hard to leave.” Offer choices: “Do you want to open the gate or should I?” Set a clear boundary after two chances: “Would you like to walk, or do you need my help?” By showing empathy and staying consistent, you foster cooperation and trust—not just in the moment, but for years to come. Have questions or want more tips on managing transitions? Let’s talk, I’m here to help!

Recipe for Cooperation

By Andrea Robbins • November 4, 2024
What if bedtime didn't have to feel like a negotiation? What if morning routines could flow without constant reminders? What if getting out the door could actually be...easy? This isn’t as far-fetched as it might sound. The secret lies in moving away from bribes and rewards and toward communication, understanding and connection. So instead of: "If you take a bath now, you can watch TV after" Try: "Your body worked hard playing today. Would you like to start your relaxing bath now or in five minutes?" I’m not saying the kids get to decide whether or not to (insert anything) take a bath, but I am saying that by providing an explanation and offering a choice will likely yield cooperation. This simple shift does something powerful: aside from building your relationship it also helps your child understand the 'why' behind what you ask, building their own internal motivation rather than relying on external rewards. When children understand the reasoning behind requests, they're more likely to make positive choices – not just now, but for life. Schedule a FREE, no obligation call right now if you would like support in making this shift. Best, Andrea Check out my website here

Parental Stress and the Surgeon General's Report

By Andrea Robbins • September 17, 2024
3 Things to Do Right Now

Back to School!

By Andrea Robbins • August 12, 2024
Back to School with Success!

Peaceful vs Permissive Parenting: 3 Key Differences

By Andrea Robbins • December 20, 2023
Build Connection

How to Talk to Your Children About War

By Andrea Robbins • October 10, 2023
Tips for anyone who has, teaches, or interacts with children... -Ground yourself (if possible) before you have this conversation. Children may need to borrow your calm and regulation to help them manage their worry and confusion. -Be present, receptive, and open to what you might hear. -LISTEN! -Ask them what they know or what they have heard. Depending on their age they may have seen something on social media. If you have the news on they are definitely hearing it. They likely know something. -Give developmentally appropriate information and history. Show them a map. -Ask if they have any questions or want to share any thoughts and feelings. Give them accurate information. -Reassure them of their safety so they can continue being children- learning, playing, and growing.

One Thing I Would NEVER Do Again As a Parent

By Andrea Robbins • September 28, 2020
If you feel like simply getting out the door on time (tie your shoes… where’s your coat… do you have your lunch??) is a battle, the reality is that you are locked in a power struggle with your child.
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