{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 24: A Simple Family Gratitude Practice That Actually Works (And Why We\u2019re Bringing It Back in 2026)","description":"As the new year approaches, many families start asking the same questions: What do we want more of? What do we want less of? And how do we actually make that happen without adding one more thing to our already-full plates? In today\u2019s short and practical episode, Jami shares one simple gratitude practice her family is intentionally adding back into their emotional wellness toolbox in 2026\u2014and why this version of gratitude actually works. (And no, this is not the \u201cbe thankful and stop crying\u201d kind of gratitude. We don\u2019t do emotional bypassing around here.) You\u2019ll hear how to build gratitude into your existing family rhythms, why it helps calm the nervous system, and how it supports emotional regulation, connection, and healthier brain patterns\u2014for kids and parents. Resources Mentioned: Gratitude Journal for Kids \u23f1\ufe0f Episode Timestamps & Highlights 0:09 \u2013 Why this conversation matters right now Looking ahead to the new year: what to add, what to take away, and why small rhythms matter more than big resolutions. 2:15 \u2013 The gratitude myth (and what gratitude is not) Why gratitude sometimes gets a bad rap\u2014and how \u201cjust focus on the good\u201d can actually backfire. 4:05 \u2013 The family gratitude practice we used (and loved) A simple, three-minute journaling rhythm plugged into bedtime\u2014no pressure, no forcing, no homework vibes. 7:10 \u2013 Why modeling matters more than making it mandatory How this practice was \u201ccaught, not taught,\u201d and why that made all the difference. 10:45 \u2013 What happened when life got hard Why the practice fell away during a tough season\u2014and why we\u2019re intentionally bringing it back. 13:30 \u2013 The science behind gratitude (the parts that actually matter) How gratitude: calms the nervous system lowers stress hormones increases emotional regulation interrupts negativity bias 18:40 \u2013 Gratitude and emotional language How this practice builds emotional awareness, vocabulary, and quicker regulation in hard moments. 22:15 \u2013 Teaching kids \u201cboth\/and\u201d thinking Why gratitude helps kids hold mixed emotions without black-and-white thinking. 25:40 \u2013 Gratitude strengthens connection How shared gratitude increases bonding, safety, and predictable moments of connection. 28:00 \u2013 The two questions every family can ask for the new year You don\u2019t need a full planning system\u2014just one clear question and one doable rhythm. \ud83e\udde0 Key Takeaways Gratitude is a skill, not a personality trait You don\u2019t need more time\u2014just a better rhythm Gratitude works best when it\u2019s optional, modeled, and low-pressure It helps calm the nervous system without dismissing hard emotions Small, consistent practices create long-term emotional resilience \ud83c\udf31 A Simple Question to Try This Week Ask yourself (or your family): What do we want more of in 2026? What\u2019s one small rhythm that could support that? And on the flip side: What do we want less of? What needs to come off the calendar\u2014or out of our language\u2014to make space? \ud83d\udc9b Want More Support Like This? If conversations like this resonate with you, you\u2019ll love the Same Page Parenting Workshop\u2014where we help families get aligned, clear, and calm using practical tools and shared language. \ud83d\udc49 Stay tuned for the next workshop date \ud83d\udc49 Or email me at jami@sacredgroundcoaching.com and tell me: what you\u2019re adding to your year or what you\u2019re ready to let go of I\u2019d love to hear from you.   ","author_name":"Emotions With Ease","author_url":"https:\/\/www.sacredgroundcoaching.com\/podcasts\/emotions-with-ease","html":"