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Essay on Gratitude For Parents

Students are often asked to write an essay on Gratitude For Parents in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Gratitude For Parents

Understanding gratitude.

Gratitude is saying “thank you” for the good things in your life. It is a feeling of being thankful. We should have gratitude for many people in our life. But, our parents deserve it the most. They do so much for us.

Parents Love

Parents love their children more than anything. They work hard to give us a good life. They make sure we are safe, healthy, and happy. They teach us important things. They help us when we are in trouble. For all these things, we should be grateful.

Showing Gratitude

Showing gratitude to our parents is easy. We can say “thank you” often. We can help them with their work. We can listen to their advice. We can respect them. By doing these things, we show our gratitude.

Benefits of Gratitude

Gratitude is not just good for our parents. It is good for us too. It makes us feel happy. It helps us see the good things in our life. It reminds us of how much we are loved. So, let’s be grateful to our parents every day.

250 Words Essay on Gratitude For Parents

Introduction.

Parents are the pillars of our life. They are the ones who bring us into this world, nurture us, and help us grow. They teach us about life, love, and kindness. Our parents are our first teachers and our biggest supporters. It’s important to feel and express gratitude for our parents.

Gratitude means to be thankful. It is about recognizing the good things in life and appreciating them. When we talk about gratitude for parents, it means to be thankful for all that our parents do for us. They work hard to provide us with a safe and comfortable life. They guide us, protect us, and love us unconditionally.

Showing Gratitude to Parents

There are many ways to show gratitude to our parents. Small gestures can mean a lot. We can say thank you to them for the little things they do. We can help them with their work. We can listen to them and respect their advice. We can also show our gratitude by doing well in our studies and activities, as this makes them happy and proud.

The Importance of Gratitude

Feeling and expressing gratitude for our parents is very important. It makes them feel loved and appreciated. It also helps us to understand the value of their efforts. Gratitude helps us to build a strong bond with our parents. It also makes us better people, as it teaches us to be thankful and respectful.

Our parents do so much for us. They deserve our love, respect, and gratitude. Let’s always remember to say thank you to them, for everything they do. Let’s show them that we appreciate their love and care. Let’s make them feel special, every day. After all, our parents are our biggest blessing.

500 Words Essay on Gratitude For Parents

Gratitude for parents is a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation towards our parents. They are the ones who bring us into this world and take care of us with immense love and kindness. They guide us, teach us, and shape us into the individuals we become. This essay will explore the importance of expressing gratitude towards our parents.

Role of Parents

Parents play a crucial role in our lives. From the time we are born, they provide us with everything we need. They feed us, dress us, and comfort us when we are upset. They teach us to walk, talk, and interact with the world around us. They dedicate their time, energy, and resources to our well-being and development. They are our first teachers, teaching us values, manners, and life skills. They guide us through life, helping us make important decisions and supporting us in our endeavors.

Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation for the kindness and benefits we have received. When we express gratitude, we acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices made by others for our benefit. Expressing gratitude towards our parents is important because it acknowledges the love, care, and effort they put into raising us. It shows them that we value and appreciate everything they do for us. It also helps us develop a positive attitude and a sense of contentment in life.

Ways to Express Gratitude

There are many ways to show gratitude towards our parents. We can express our gratitude through words, by telling them how much we appreciate their love and care. We can also show it through actions, by helping them with household chores, spending quality time with them, or doing something special for them. We can also express gratitude by being obedient, respectful, and considerate towards them. By doing so, we not only show our appreciation, but also make them feel loved and valued.

In conclusion, gratitude for parents is a powerful and important emotion. It helps us acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices our parents make for us, and shows them that we appreciate and value their love and care. By expressing gratitude, we strengthen our relationship with our parents, and cultivate a positive and contented outlook on life. So, let’s make it a habit to express our gratitude to our parents regularly, for it is the least we can do to acknowledge their unconditional love and sacrifices.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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essay gratitude towards parents

I am grateful for my parents and the opportunities they’ve provided

essay gratitude towards parents

Ananda White is a 2017 Cecil E. Newman Scholarship recipient. Below is her scholarship-winning essay.

The two most influential people to guide my life and education are my parents Angela and Brian White. It’s a cliché, but it is the truth. In fact, my parents will say they want me to have more opportunities than they had, meaning they’ll sacrifice in order for me to accomplish my goals.

Furthering my education will allow me give back to my parents, who have given me more than I can possibly give them. I am very thankful to have supporting parents in my life who listen and support me, because I know many people are not as lucky. They’ve given me multiple pep talks that would get through an assignment on a late night, but they have also reminded me to take a break from my homework and get something to eat.

Even though at times they might not be able to help me or understand some of the work I do for school, I still appreciate the time they take to pretend to understand the work I have to do in pre-calculus.

essay gratitude towards parents

Growing up in the inner city public school system wasn’t easy, although rewarding. Attending for both elementary and middle school has shaped me into being the African American woman I am today.

At an early age, my parents sent me to Urban League Academy. There at Urban League Academy I saw excellence and educators that showed me a side of Black people the media doesn’t portray. I’m so grateful to my parents for choosing Urban League Academy during those earlier years of my life; even though, I probably wouldn’t feel the same way back then.

I now have a sense of gratitude for my time at that school, especially when my other Black friends tell me that they never had a Black teacher or that they’ve always been in the minority group at their school.

In sixth grade, I went to W.I.S.E Charter School where the entire school celebrated Kwanzaa. This is where I first learned about Historical Black Colleges and Universities. I wish more students of color could experience what it’s like to be surrounded by educators and peers that are of the same race as them. My parents have always supported other Black people which has strengthened my confidence. If it wasn’t for that experience I probably wouldn’t have the confidence to go to college.

Additionally, many people in my family haven’t gone to college. But, my parents have never made me feel as though that I wouldn’t be able to. My entire life they made me feel important and that I had the potential to go further in life than just a high school diploma. My dad, Brian, only got a high school diploma and has had a job ever since. My mom, Angela, tried to do some college but was never able to get very far between work and home.

Again, I’m grateful because they’ve given me the opportunity to do something. The support my parents gave me throughout my 18 years have been tremendous, including helping me on assignments, driving me to activities and events, and putting a smile on my face when I’m sad.

My mother has been the person to explain and help me through a difficult problem and my father has been the one to remedy any situation and helped me relaxed when I’m stressed. They have continued to go the extra mile, providing me with the chance to go far in life as long as I stay focus. Without realizing it, my parents have been the consistent keys to my success.

For a recap/photos from the 2017 Graduation Celebration, go here .

Support Black local news

Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.

Donate Now!

Two women inspired me and showed me my potential, adversity can be a great teacher, msr news online.

Reach the MSR staff at [email protected] .

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  • Thank You Speech for Parents

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Thank You Speech for Parents in English for Students

In any child's life, parents play a very meaningful role. We never get chances in public to thank our parents, but when you really want to express your gratitude to your parents, there may be gatherings and occasions or some form of celebration. If you have ever wondered how to thank parents through speech, these speeches of thanks to parents will help you express gratitude and love for your parents, making a positive impression on the audience and your parents. Here, we have provided both Long And Short Thank You Speech For Parents.

Long Thank You Speech for Parents in English

Thank you, everyone, for gathering here and being a part of our celebration. As you all know, I will be leaving soon for my masters and I can’t thank you all enough for being there throughout with me.

I would like to thank my father for helping me understand what I was and am capable of, for giving me the strength I needed to follow my dreams, and for believing that I have the skills and potential to achieve my goals. There were moments when I gave up; it was only you who walked with me to provide me with the support that I needed. I still recall my childhood when, after returning from school, you spent countless hours helping me learn mathematics, the one subject that always terrified me. You showed me how to solve the sums so quickly. At that time, I didn't know that you would also play the same role for the emotional aspects too, today when I feel discouraged; you show me how to easily fix my problems and if any problem continues, you give me your shoulder to rest upon. You are the most important pillar of my life and my greatest strength.

My life, without my mother's contribution, is incomplete. For making me what I am today, I can never thank her enough. In all phases of my life, she has always been committed and helpful in every possible way. She cooks, she organizes my room, she makes everything available for me in the right place and at the right time, she says nice words of gratitude, and her feeling proud of me gives me immense courage and confidence to go ahead in life. And she does all of these, despite working day in and day out in her daily life. I constantly wonder, is my mom a superwoman? I assume that for an average person like me, it is not at all possible to do all that she does for us. Today, to celebrate my performance, I am standing here in the middle of all my loved ones. All this has been possible for my parents, who have been training me and been there with me throughout this journey.

They loved me, cared for me, trusted me when I was losing hope, stayed awake with me during my examination days, stayed awake to take care of me when I fell ill, guided me on the right path when I failed in my entrance examination.

I can't thank both of you enough for what you've done for me. I would be standing nowhere if it weren't for you both; it's going to be hard for me for the next two years because I might not get the comfort of your embrace, but we’ll stay connected through video calls and of course from the core of our hearts.

Short Thank You Speech for Parents in English

Greetings to everyone present here today. Thank you for taking out time to be a part of our celebration. It means a lot to me. As you all know, I will be leaving home soon to pursue my master’s degree. Today, I am here to thank each one of you for your support and wishes. Most importantly, I would like to thank my parents for everything.

Dad, you've always been the backbone of my life, I've never seen you cry in the darkest moments of your life. Apart from being my superman; you are also a human being with emotions and I realized that when I saw you getting emotional about my departure. Mom, you're the most amazing person on earth; you've always taught me to be kind to others. The greatest mantra of success that I have gained from you is patience and determination. You taught me to be considerate and told me to remain cool with someone in any kind of altercation, which led me to have a huge circle of friends.

Today, my life has a purpose and a goal, all because of your relentless effort and faith in me. I thank my parents today for their blessings and the constant support that they have been for me. There are not enough words to express how grateful I am to them for everything they have done for me. Today I am using this opportunity to thank my parents as we all have gathered here. Thank you for being the best parents a child could dream of.

10 Lines on Thank You Card for Parents

In everybody's life, parents are jewels.

Without parents' love and support, a child can't enjoy a healthy life.

Our parents support us on every path in our lives, from birth to adulthood.

They teach us integrity and truthfulness. 

They teach us to distinguish, in our lives, the good from the evil.

They help us pursue our goals, and they make sure we do not face any hurdles.

The role of our parents in our lives is immeasurable.

Thank you isn't enough to describe their continuous encouragement and help, in our lives.

It is our duty to make them feel special, as they do so much for us wholeheartedly throughout their lives.

Our parents believe in us on the days we hate ourselves, and provide every possible comfort for us so that we can live peacefully.

Tips for Speech 

Be confident before you start your speech

The introduction of a speech is exceptionally important. It should be strong and to the point. 

Always have valid points and don’t add fluff to prolong it. 

To ensure you don’t forget anything, start slowly and have a paper with points to help you remember something if you forget.

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FAQs on Thank You Speech for Parents

1. How to start a thank you speech?

I would like to speak about parents today. Parents are those who gave us the opportunity to enter this beautiful world. Parents are the greatest gift from God. In Fact parents are Gods on Earth. Parents are one of the most beautiful things in this world because they give us life, nurture us, teach us, give us good upbringing, and dedicate their entire lives to us. So, you should always love and respect your parents and should always care for them.

2. When do we celebrate parents day and why? What is the history of parents day? 

Every year on the 26 th of July, we celebrate Parent's Day all over the world. Parents are the best gifts in everyone's life, and a day to thank them is a must. Parents' Day celebrates responsible parenting and the special bond between parents and children. This day also honors positive parental role models. As a result of Bill Clinton's signing of a law in 1994, a resolution was approved by the US Congress establishing the fourth Sunday of every July as Parents' Day. In the Congressional resolution, it is noted that Parents' Day is a nation-wide holiday.

3. In a speech, how to be grateful to your parents?

Your speech can start by discussing how your parents have impacted your life, why you are thankful, and how you are thankful. Words may not be enough for their contributions, but it is a great way to thank your parents and convey their importance. To make your speech more special you can add a few qualities of your parents and how they impacted your life and make it perfect. Example- I am grateful to my parents for imparting the best education to me and helping me to develop into a good human being.

4. What is the importance of parents in our life? 

Children's development depends heavily on their parents. They provide everything they need at the time when they are developing. Parents reduce their own living costs to make their children more educated. For the future of their children, parents sacrifice everything. - Parents provide unconditional love to their children.  They provide financial and moral support and play a central role in everyone's life. Discipline and relationships are taught to children by their parents. Parents are the best friends.  Parents are always ready to help when you fall thus they play a very vital role in everyone’s life.

5. What are the Examples of a thank you speech for parents?

We are all gathered here today on the occasion of Parents Day, and as the head girl of this school, I would like to take this chance to say a few words of thanks to my parents because they are the reason I am able to stand here in front of you. They are the only two people who have let me come this far.  As a parent, you play a highly significant and precious role in your child's life. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to my mother, for only a mother sacrifices and goes through a difficult journey in order to raise their child.

essay gratitude towards parents

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Essay On Parents

Robert Brault once said, ‘A parent’s love is whole no matter how many times divided.’ Our parents mean everything to us. From birth to the day we become financially independent, our parents have always been there for us, formulate our thoughts and make or change the decisions in our lives. Parents play a crucial role in a child’s emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development. We celebrate important days like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to honour and respect our parents. No words can describe the efforts and the hardships they go through. Therefore, today we will be providing you with an essay on parents to help you understand their importance in our lives and their role in shaping our future.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Essay on Parents in 100 Words
  • 2 Essay on Parents in 200 Words
  • 3 Essay on Parents in 300 Words

Also Read: Parental Pressure: Care But Not Too Much

Essay on Parents in 100 Words

Also Read: Importance of Education in Our Life

Essay on Parents in 200 Words

Also Read: National Parent’s Day 2023

Essay on Parents in 300 Words

Ans: It’s very easy to write an essay on parents, all you need to do is highlight every aspect of your life where your parents have supported you. You can start by mentioning your early school days when you were having difficulties with your classmates or teacher, and how beautifully your parents helped you. Real-life examples will give value to your essay as it will portray the emotional bond between you and your parents.

Ans: Mere words cannot describe the importance of parents in our lives, as they always try to do their best. Our parents offer us the life which they ever dreamed of so that we can have a flourishing future. They are the primary source of moral guidance for us. They impart values, ethics, and principles that shape our understanding of right and wrong, contributing to the development of a strong moral compass.

Ans: Here are 5 lines on parents: Parents are the guiding lights that illuminate the path of a child’s life; They provide unconditional love, which forms the bedrock of our emotional well-being; Through their nurturing presence, parents provide a sense of security and stability; They serve as role models, imparting values and morals that shape our character; Parents are the first teachers, introducing us the wonders of the world.

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essay on gratitude towards parents

I am grateful for my parents and the opportunities they’ve provided

essay on gratitude towards parents

Ananda White is a 2017 Cecil E. Newman Scholarship recipient. Below is her scholarship-winning essay.

The two most influential people to guide my life and education are my parents Angela and Brian White. It’s a cliché, but it is the truth. In fact, my parents will say they want me to have more opportunities than they had, meaning they’ll sacrifice in order for me to accomplish my goals.

Furthering my education will allow me give back to my parents, who have given me more than I can possibly give them. I am very thankful to have supporting parents in my life who listen and support me, because I know many people are not as lucky. They’ve given me multiple pep talks that would get through an assignment on a late night, but they have also reminded me to take a break from my homework and get something to eat.

Even though at times they might not be able to help me or understand some of the work I do for school, I still appreciate the time they take to pretend to understand the work I have to do in pre-calculus.

essay on gratitude towards parents

Growing up in the inner city public school system wasn’t easy, although rewarding. Attending for both elementary and middle school has shaped me into being the African American woman I am today.

At an early age, my parents sent me to Urban League Academy. There at Urban League Academy I saw excellence and educators that showed me a side of Black people the media doesn’t portray. I’m so grateful to my parents for choosing Urban League Academy during those earlier years of my life; even though, I probably wouldn’t feel the same way back then.

I now have a sense of gratitude for my time at that school, especially when my other Black friends tell me that they never had a Black teacher or that they’ve always been in the minority group at their school.

In sixth grade, I went to W.I.S.E Charter School where the entire school celebrated Kwanzaa. This is where I first learned about Historical Black Colleges and Universities. I wish more students of color could experience what it’s like to be surrounded by educators and peers that are of the same race as them. My parents have always supported other Black people which has strengthened my confidence. If it wasn’t for that experience I probably wouldn’t have the confidence to go to college.

Additionally, many people in my family haven’t gone to college. But, my parents have never made me feel as though that I wouldn’t be able to. My entire life they made me feel important and that I had the potential to go further in life than just a high school diploma. My dad, Brian, only got a high school diploma and has had a job ever since. My mom, Angela, tried to do some college but was never able to get very far between work and home.

Again, I’m grateful because they’ve given me the opportunity to do something. The support my parents gave me throughout my 18 years have been tremendous, including helping me on assignments, driving me to activities and events, and putting a smile on my face when I’m sad.

My mother has been the person to explain and help me through a difficult problem and my father has been the one to remedy any situation and helped me relaxed when I’m stressed. They have continued to go the extra mile, providing me with the chance to go far in life as long as I stay focus. Without realizing it, my parents have been the consistent keys to my success.

For a recap/photos from the 2017 Graduation Celebration, go here .

Support Black local news

Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.

Donate Now!

Two women inspired me and showed me my potential, adversity can be a great teacher, msr news online.

Reach the MSR staff at [email protected] .

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Respect — Parent as Most Important Humans In Your Life: Respecting Our Parents

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Parent as Most Important Humans in Your Life: Respecting Our Parents

  • Categories: Parent-Child Relationship Parents Respect

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Words: 316 |

Published: Jul 17, 2018

Words: 316 | Page: 1 | 2 min read

You may also be interested ASA Citation Generator

Works Cited

  • Kim, E. Y. (2017). Parent-child relationships in the context of honor and respect: The role of cultural orientations and generational status. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(4), 1112-1125.
  • Zakeri, H., & Dolatshahi, B. (2019). Parental respect in Iranian culture: The relationship between adolescents' respect for parents and their well-being. International Journal of Psychology, 54(2), 165-173.
  • Fuller, A., & Sabarwal, S. (2017). The role of parental respect and cultural socialization in the psychological well-being of South Asian college students. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 45(3), 201-214.
  • Grusec, J. E., & Davidov, M. (2010). Integrating different perspectives on socialization theory and research: A domain-specific approach. Child Development, 81(3), 687-709.
  • Feldman, R., Bamberger, E., & Kanat-Maymon, Y. (2013). Parent-specific reciprocity from infancy to adolescence shapes children's social competence and dialogical skills. Attachment & Human Development, 15(4), 407-423.
  • Parke, R. D., & Buriel, R. (2006). Socialization in the family: Ethnic and ecological perspectives. In W. Damon & R. M. Lerner (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology: Vol. 3. Social, emotional, and personality development (6th ed., pp. 429-504). Wiley.
  • Grusec, J. E., & Danyliuk, T. (2019). Parents' perspectives on autonomy and relatedness in parenting: Cultural, social, and developmental considerations. Developmental Review, 52, 1-16.
  • Telzer, E. H. (2016). Expanding the social reorientation function of adolescent neurodevelopment: A role for respect. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 20(3), 151-153.
  • Steinberg, L., & Silk, J. S. (2002). Parenting adolescents. In M. H. Bornstein (Ed.), Handbook of parenting: Vol. 1. Children and parenting (2nd ed., pp. 103-133). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

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essay on gratitude towards parents

Gratitude Essay

500 words essay on gratitude.

Gratitude is a beautiful way of enriching our lives. It refers to the feeling and attitude of appreciation and thankfulness for the good which we receive in life. It has been proven scientifically that when we express our gratefulness to other people, we feel happier and calmer. Thus, it allows goodness to enter our lives. For instance, when a stranger holds the door for you or greets you, it makes you feel happy. Thus, a gratitude essay will teach us how advantageous gratitude is.

gratitude essay

Advantages of Gratitude

Gratitude can have a lot of advantages to our personal as well as social life. First of all, it strengthens our relationship with others. When you have a thankful feeling, it will strengthen the bond with the other party and enhance the trust factor and feeling of respect and love .

Moreover, it also makes us happy. When we express gratitude or receive it, we feel happy either way. As a result, people who have gratitude do not stress out a lot. Similarly, being full of gratitude makes society sensible.

In other words, people become considerate and never leave a chance to say thank you to others. Thus, it helps society to progress in the right direction with the right tools needed for the development of it.

Most importantly, gratitude reduces comparisons and promotes acknowledgement. When we become thankful, we do not compare ourselves to others. Thus, it helps us acknowledge our own achievements and blessings and remain content.

How to Practice Gratitude

There are a lot of ways through which we can practice gratitude. Some of the most effective ones include making a note of every good thing which happens to us every day. Moreover, also note the people behind it.

This will help you to return the favour at an appropriate time. Never forget to return this favour as they deserve it too. Moreover, always make sure to appreciate everything in life ranging from nature to animals .

We are lucky enough to have animals, green plants, fresh air and much more. Thus, never stop acknowledging the importance of these essential things. Moreover, always remember to say thank you to different community helpers.

It can be anyone, whether your gardener or sweeper or even the police officers. Make sure you thank them for their service whenever it is possible for you. Remember that to wake up every day is no less than a blessing itself.

So, make sure to be grateful for a new day and thank the almighty for making you wiser and stronger with each passing day. Most importantly, try to avoid complaining about things when they don’t go your way. You don’t know about the blessing behind it.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of Gratitude Essay

All in all, gratitude is the most essential human expression which proves that humans are sensible and have emotions. Moreover, this emotion does not just limit to humans but also animals. Often, we see then express their gratitude and return the favour. Thus, we must always express our gratitude.

FAQ of Gratitude Essay

Question 1: Why is gratitude important?

Answer 1: Gratitude is strongly and constantly connected with greater happiness. It is what helps people feel more positive emotions, appreciate good experiences, advance their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

Question 2: How can gratitude change your life?

Answer 2: Gratitude can change your life as it makes you appreciate what you have rather than what you don’t have. It can change your life  because it is the single most powerful source of inspiration that any individual can tap into if they simply stop and pay attention to the simplistic beauty and miracle of life.

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essay on gratitude towards parents

You Will Never Be Able to Thank Your Mother Enough

On the inadequacy of each and every one of us.

There is a reason that a mother’s love, in its purest form, is visceral and even violent. This same reason explains the volatility of relationships with our mothers and why they often don’t make sense in logical terms. The reason is this: We are doomed by the nature of biological cycles to never be able to thank them enough for having facilitated our existence. For reasons I’ll explain, there exists a permanent deficit of appreciation toward our mothers.

Picture the moment you begin to grow in your mother’s womb. You have no speech to greet her although she’s probably talking to you already in whispers and in her thoughts. You are a kernel of futurity. You occupy her mind constantly, and many of her activities involve preparing for your arrival. She changes her diet, she reads about what’s best for you, she imagines what kind of person you’ll be. She watches the news and worries about bringing you here, to this death-drive civilization. People give her constant unsolicited advice and turn her into an alien yet holy allegory. You’ve changed her from a woman to a mother, which brings with it all kinds of unanticipated social consequences. She worries what you will do to her body. You are indifferent; you stretch it. Your presence changes the status of her relationship with her partner; something about you growing in between these two bodies alters the way they relate to one another.

Your arrival is marked by a tearing of flesh, something no one wants to think about. This physical pain will be an ellipsis in your mind when in your twenties you hastily scribble her a greeting card in the car outside her house on Mother’s Day. This is not what you think about when you respond with a couple of lines to her long, detailed, and grammatically meticulous emails. In the thoughts about your mother, you naturally omit the labor and blood of your own coming into being because you have no personal recollection of it and because it’s unpleasant to imagine. You cannot conceive of your conception nor of your birth. You cannot make the cognitive jump between the stretchmarks on her body and the very existence of your own. My own mother told me a joke once about a man who comes home to his pregnant wife sitting exhausted on the couch. He asks her, “What did you do today?” and she replies, “I made a lung.” This simple joke helped me realize an obvious fact that I’d never considered before: My mother grew me. Her body was the site and the circumstance of my being. Her bodily expenditures meant that I could live.

Were the resources she shared with me given or lent? The baby is in some sense a parasite that feeds off its host until it can live on its own. It can also be imagined as a plant or a pet or a project, a beautiful thing in which all energies and attentions are invested. This remarkable process of one person growing inside another like a matryoshka doll complicates our sovereignty as individuals. We know ourselves only as autonomous beings, but she knew us first as an extension of her own body. This smudging of the line between self and other must also contribute to the strange pulls and pushes of the mother-child relationship. A mother must wonder how something that sprang out of her own body could ever turn renegade.

So now you’ve made your entrance. You exist. But you cannot care for yourself. Your parents mobilize their energies and give you all the necessities for survival. For this reason, fatigue is a key feature of parenthood. As a miniature autocrat, your small will controls their world. You stink. You are cranky and needy, but they still bow to your authority. They would even kill on your behalf. Your mother’s body gives you food, warmth, and the sounds, smells, and textures of comfort. You still cannot say “thank you” yet. This continues for some time, but even when you finally acquire language, thanking your mother is probably not the first thing you do.

This first and constant postponement of gratitude is the principal cause of all motherly turbulence. To have a mother is to be in perpetual deficit of thanks toward her. This missing gratitude is a kind of high-interest loan that can never be paid back. She is asked by society to forgive this loan, to love you unconditionally because she chose to bring you here and because it’s her duty to give without taking. However, to be a mother is to be relentlessly, albeit often subconsciously, aware of this deficit and to try to balance the books over a lifetime in sometimes alarming and counterintuitive ways. Some mothers withhold their love; others triple or quintuple their love and attentions, if only to make the terms of repayment even more daunting. The belatedness and insufficiency of our gratitude could be one of the reasons that our interactions with her differ so greatly from our interactions with our father. Good fathers certainly sacrifice something of themselves in our early years, but their initial biological contribution to our existence was the most fun part of bringing baby into the world. They forego the nausea and epidurals.

Love is no accounting sheet, but somehow economic language (deficit, loan, repayment, interest, expenditure, investment) seems particularly well suited for describing the terms of our sentimental encounter with others. While what I’ve proposed here may sound like an economy of guilt, it is rather the plain recognition of a fact: We can never catch up in giving thanks, which shouldn’t produce feelings of guilt but rather a surrender to the permanent discrepancy that will separate us from our moms.

I am not a mother, but I have verified the truth of this assessment in every mother I’ve ever known, particularly those with children in their teens and older. Mother love tends toward maximalism and excess, with peaks and troughs and unpredictable, fearsome swerves. There are undoubtedly calm and even-keeled mothers around, but the default mother mode seems to be one of unruly fluctuation. What can account for this? The laziest way to deal with the phenomenon is to simply call them crazy, a statement that is commonly and casually blanketed on all women. This term has been called into question in recent years, and rightly so. Someone’s use of the label “crazy” has more to do with that person’s incapacity to understand the one they judge than with an actual psychosis. It is also irresponsible to attribute motherly tempestuousness solely to hormones in flux. Hormones undoubtedly play a role in the moods of the mother, but the deficit of thanks I’ve described could better explain the high degree of maternal intensity and volatility.

With awe, I watch my friends and colleagues who are mothers trudge through their daily lives with composure and terrifying competence. They do far more than is necessary in their professional and motherly lives. They take on tasks that no one else will, they aim beyond perfection, and they look great while doing it. They will be denounced as martyrs, visibly suffering and self-sacrificing so that others will have to notice their exertions and consent to sanctify them. One colleague in particular impresses me every day with her collegial spirit and her level of commitment to her teaching, research, and university service. I watch her with her son and see that she loves this boy with fury. She glides from faculty meeting to soccer practice to seminar to violin lesson with a kind of ethereal grace, all the while looking like a Greek goddess. How can we make sense of such a woman? How could years of gratitude from her colleagues, friends, partner, and child ever be enough? She is beyond our thanks.

Everyone’s mother is different and I suspect some examples of your own mother’s zeal have come to mind by now. My mom’s takes form as unrestrained giving. If you mention in passing that you like chocolate-covered cherries, you will receive several boxes of chocolate-covered cherries from her for every occasion for the rest of your days. As another example, she gave me a printer’s tray for my birthday, which I planned to fill with little souvenirs from places I visit in the future. I won’t have the chance: A month later, I got a box in the mail full of dozens of little trinkets she’d found somewhere. In one fell swoop, she filled my entire printer’s tray herself. She invents new family traditions every time I see her. She talks more and faster than anyone I know and laughs hysterically at things no one else finds funny. She is a talented florist and she insists on making the casket piece for any member of the family who should, unfortunately, require one. You look at these jaw-dropping masterpieces she’s spent hours creating by herself in the middle of the night, despite her mourning, and you know she has infused them with her soul. She works herself to exhaustion at family holidays so that everyone else can have a nice time even if the extra work puts her in a foul mood. She would die for her children without hesitation.

This essay is a roundabout way of thanking my own mother and acknowledging that I know any thanks I give her will always be belated and insufficient. I’ve noticed in recent years that the slightest gesture of gratitude on my part toward my mom is welcomed with an understandable insatiability. In my younger years, I mostly saw what displeased me in her and what didn’t correspond to my own values. However, over the past few years, all of her beautiful quirks, talents, sufferings, and sacrifices have become suddenly obvious, glaringly so. We will always be behind in thanking our own mothers. But thank them anyway, excessively, and thank every mother you know. While the deficit will never dwindle, we can join them as partners in excess.

Christy Wampole ‘s essay collection, The Other Serious, is forthcoming from Harper, in July, 2015.

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Christy Wampole

Christy Wampole

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What Parents and Children Say When Talking about Children’s Gratitude: A Thematic Analysis

  • Original Paper
  • Published: 04 January 2022
  • Volume 31 , pages 1261–1275, ( 2022 )

Cite this article

  • Allegra J. Midgette   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7316-8133 1 ,
  • Jennifer L. Coffman   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6768-8573 2 &
  • Andrea M. Hussong   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8683-9832 1  

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Parent-child conversations are a widely recognized socializing mechanism, linked to children’s developing moral agency, empathy, and emotional competence. Similarly, parent-child conversations about gratitude have been linked to growth in children’s gratitude. However, the messages that parents and children exchange in conversations about children’s gratitude have yet to be investigated in depth. In the current study, we investigate the types of events that parents discuss with their children during times when they saw displays of children’s gratitude and events when the children missed the opportunity to display gratitude, along with the messages that parents and children share during these conversations. The study involved a thematic analysis of the gratitude conversations of 43 parent-child dyads (88% mothers, 77% European American, 51% boys, child M age  = 10.62, SD  = 1.15) living in the United States. Gratitude and missed opportunity events primarily involved situations in which the child had the opportunity to attend an event or to receive a material gift, food, or assistance. Three themes characterized parent and child messages. First, parents suggested that being happy was a sign of being grateful, a way to make others happy, and the goal of benefactors’ behavior. Second, parents suggested that children should focus on what they receive rather than on what they did not receive. Finally, children conveyed that they could not always be grateful, but that in several cases they were able to both feel and display their excitement and gratitude. In particular, children reported feeling grateful when they received something they thought was special or enjoyable, unique or unexpected, that they knew would make their parent happy or that they felt lucky to have since others did not have it. Together these findings suggest the importance of future research investigating how children and parents coordinate and prioritize the various elements of gratitude moments in deciding how to be grateful and to socialize children’s gratitude.

When talking about gratitude parents often note how the child’s gratitude affects them (e.g., makes them feel good).

Parents encourage children to notice and appreciate what they do have, even if the child does not like some aspect of a situation.

Children note that they cannot always be grateful.

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essay on gratitude towards parents

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essay on gratitude towards parents

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Family communication patterns, sympathy, perspective-taking, and girls’ thoughts about interpersonal violence.

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Data Availability

De-identified data are available from the last author upon request.

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Funding for this project was provided by the Expanding the Science and Practice of Gratitude Project run by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center in partnership with UC Davis and by the John Templeton Foundation for earlier waves of data collection. The writing of this manuscript was supported in part by a postdoctoral fellowship provided by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (T32-HD007376) to the first author through the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Allegra J. Midgette & Andrea M. Hussong

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All authors contributed to the study conception, design, and analysis. Writing of first draft: Allegra Midgette. All authors commented on and edited subsequent versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Midgette, A.J., Coffman, J.L. & Hussong, A.M. What Parents and Children Say When Talking about Children’s Gratitude: A Thematic Analysis. J Child Fam Stud 31 , 1261–1275 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02222-9

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02222-9

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How a Gratitude Journal Can Help You Be a Better Parent

Thanksgiving is upon us, and is there a better time to talk about introducing more gratitude into your parenting? I’m talking about being more grateful in a mindful, committed, intentional way.

This post will show you how practicing gratitude can help you in many ways – mentally and physically – and what benefits the practice of gratitude has to offer you and your family. Then I will teach you some simple ways to practice gratitude in your everyday life – by yourself and with your kids. And stick around to the end, I have a nice surprise that will help you establish a gratitude practice.

First, let’s pause for a minute.

Take a deep, mindful breath.

Now, try to think when was the last time that you felt GRATEFUL. I mean really, REALLY grateful.

Imagine the situation. Try to remember every detail you can and especially reflect on how did it feel to be so grateful. Try to answer the following questions:

  • Who, or what, made you so grateful?
  • Where did you feel it in your body?
  • Was it a warm or cold feeling?
  • What did you want to do toward the person (or thing) you felt grateful for?
  • How good did it feel to be so grateful?

I hope that now, as you read these words and do this small experiential exercise, you can feel some of those emotions and sensations once more. I know that gratitude for me always feels like a warm, soothing fire in my belly. It makes me feel great and I have a need to hug the person for whom I’m grateful. Maybe you feel it like me and maybe you feel it some other way, and that’s fine.

What is gratitude anyway?

Basically, gratitude is a positive feeling that is a way of getting affirmation that there is something good in our lives.

Gratitude, like most emotions, is always felt towards something. It may be another person in our lives or even ourselves, but we can also feel grateful towards God, objects or situations. For example, you can feel grateful for having a warm bed and a nice blanket to keep you warm at night.

Gratitude allows us to notice and appreciate the value of the things and the people we have in our lives. And that’s a powerful emotion to have up our sleeve.

Get your Parenting Gratitude Journal for free

Download my Parenting Gratitude Journal for free and start journaling today!

Do I need a gratitude journal? Isn't it just a natural feeling?

When I talk about practicing gratitude, I’m talking about choosing, proactively, to find things to be grateful for in your lives. Now, some of you may probably think “Why should I practice  being grateful? Isn’t it just a feeling that I should feel on its own?”. And you would have been right to ask me that because it’s a natural emotion we've had since childhood.

However, there is merit in the practice of intentional gratitude. You see, as we lead our adult lives, we tend to numb some of the things that used to grab our attention as kids. We notice the big things but tend to put the smaller things aside and take many things for granted.

And this is especially true for us parents, who are busy handling our work-family balance, dealing with discipline issues and other stressors and keeping the house tidy etc. Starting an intentional practice of gratitude is a wonderful way to take a pause and notice the good things in our lives.

And don’t think it’s only about some hippie, lovey-dovey agenda. Practicing gratitude has been shown to nurture some cool benefits in several research studies, as I will show in the next section.

Before that, one more reason why I think you should practice gratitude as a parent is that it’s such a wonderful thing to teach your children. By modeling your gratitude practice for small as well as big things in your life, you teach your children how to nurture the same qualities in their own lives.

gratitude journal

So, what are the benefits of a gratitude journal?

Why bother practicing gratitude in an intentional, mindful way?

There have been several studies that looked at what happens to people who adopt a gratitude practice. There are several ways to practice gratitude, which I will teach you in the next section, but first – let’s see what the practice gave people.

Generally speaking, people who practiced being more grateful in their lives reported that they started to notice more positivity in their lives, as well as being more present.

Gratitude helped them feel more abundance in their lives, and especially more connection with other people. Being more grateful helped people be more forgiving in their own relationships, which helped them communicate better.

Becoming more mindful of the little things that are good in their lives also helped people to cope better with everyday obstacles, which is something that I’m sure us parents could really benefit from.

But what is really incredible is that practicing gratitude has real physical effects such as:

  • Sleeping better
  • Feeling more rested
  • Improved immunological function
  • Increased pain tolerance
  • Being more physically active

A recent study published in the scientific journal Emotion , showed that people who practiced gratitude tended to give more support to others and felt less mental distress.

And in  another study  from the journal Psychotherapy Research,  people who received psychotherapy were divided into two groups, one of which was instructed to do a daily gratitude practice. Those who did the practice reported better mental health than the rest of the participants in the study.

gratitude journal for parents

How to start a gratitude practice

Ok. So now that we talked about what gratitude is and why adopting the habit of practicing gratitude in an intentional, mindful matter is good for you, let’s talk about how you can do so.

The beautiful thing about gratitude is that it’s really, really easy to practice. As opposed to other practices such as mindfulness or loving/kindness meditations, gratitude doesn’t require you to do anything special, repeat mantras or breathe in certain ways. All you do need to do is to REMEMBER being grateful .

You see, we all have a tendency to remember the bad stuff that’s going on and focus on the negative. It’s called the fundamental negative bias. Gratitude practice is one way to battle this bias by diverting our attention, deliberately, towards positive things that happen to us.  So all the following practices are ways to remind you and establish a grateful mindset.

How to Create a Gratitude Journal

This is by far my favorite way to enhance my gratitude practice. A gratitude journal is just that – some kind of journal where you write what you are grateful for at the moment. And the beauty of it is that you can implement it in many cool ways that suit your style.

The most basic way to create a gratitude journal is to grab a notebook and dedicate it for that practice. You can use a fancy notebook to keep things more ceremonial and Pinterest-worthy if that’s your style, but every simple notebook will do the trick as long as you remember to use it. And for those of you who prefer to stay paperless and digital, any note-taking or documents app will do.

Creating your journal is so easy, there’s no reason not to do it right now. Because our focus is on parenting, we will practice gratitude towards our child and our parenting-selves. In your journal, write the following, leaving some blank space after each question:

At this moment, keeping an open mind and heart and without overthinking it, find three things – small or big – that you are grateful for:

In your child ______

In yourself as a parent ______

It’s really important that you be a specific as you can. Don’t just write “I’m grateful for my child”. Go for specificity, such as “I’m grateful for my child’s giving me a big hug right before he went to school”.

It’s as simple as that. If you have more than one child, please write one thing you are grateful for in each of them. And if you have a spouse and feel like it, add one thing you are grateful for about him or her.

If you are already using some kind of daily planner or journal, and you don’t have a gratitude habit, you can use your existing journal to write your gratitude thoughts. I know many people who use a Bullet Journal and write what they are grateful for every day. You can do so as well, but remember to focus on your parenting and your children. Usually, those will come to mind anyway, but I just want you to be mindful of that.

I suggest you try to write in your journal a little bit before you go to bed at night. Those are usually more quiet times and it has a nice feeling of summing up the day. But of course, you can do it whenever you feel it’s best for you. If you do use a physical journal, keep it on your nightstand so you’ll see it every night and remember to use it.

Journalling is not your thing? Try a Gratitude Jar

Another cool way to establish a gratitude practice as parents is by creating a gratitude jar. This is an awesome practice for the entire family, actually.

Take a nice jar, preferably one that you can easily see into. Now, everytime that you notice you are grateful for something in your child or in yourself as a parent, put a small amount of money in that jar. 10, 25 or 50 cents would do the trick.

This could easily be a family thing, where everybody puts some money whenever they have a gratitude-full experience. When the jar is full, take the money and donate it to a charity of choice. What a great way to nurture gratitude and pass it forward, right?

gratitude jar

Practice Gratitude with Your Kids

Whether you write in a gratitude journal or not, having gratitude conversations with your kids is such a fun way to put some more gratitude into your lives. I’ll tell you how we like to do it in our home, and you can do it however you like.

During our evening routine, after we read a bedtime story, we tell what we like to call “the daily story”, where we more or less recall with the kids how they day went. Then (when we remember), we each offer one or two good things that we are grateful for on that day. I love this little thing we do, and how it makes us feel a bit more connected in that moment.

Gratitude is an important emotion that we can foster in a mindful, deliberate way. Adding more gratitude into our lives is beneficial for our psychological well-being and also influences our physiological well-being, so it's a double win! And most importantly for us parents, being more grateful as an intentional habit can nurture more connectedness with our children and ourselves. By establishing a daily gratitude journal practice you can easily learn to notice the good in your life and develop a more positive mindset. And that – my friends – is something to strive for in a new year.

Thank you for reading, and tell me in the comments: what are you grateful for right now?

— Read more about Research-Backed Ways to Raise a Thankful Child

essay on gratitude towards parents

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Why the Reasons That Parents Give for Socializing Gratitude in Their Children Matter

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  • June 18, 2020
  • Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Research suggests that gratitude in adults is associated with many positive outcomes (e.g., lower psychopathology, higher levels of happiness and well-being). However, little research has been conducted on gratitude in children, and no research has examined the ways that parents socialize gratitude in their young children. I examined how the reasons for gratitude socialization among parents relate to their socialization behaviors and children’s gratitude behaviors. Parents (n=101) reported on their reasons for gratitude socialization in a baseline survey and then seven-days of online diaries about their gratitude socialization behaviors and their children’s gratitude behaviors. Structural equation modeling was used to examine if parents’ reasons for gratitude socialization directly predicted children’s gratitude behaviors and if this association was mediated by parents’ gratitude socialization behaviors. Results suggest that parents who socialize gratitude for social conformity reasons (e.g., to teach children social norms and manners) may have children who display fewer gratitude behaviors compared to those who have weaker social conformity reasons; there was no direct effect of morally-motivated reasons for gratitude socialization (e.g., to teach social responsibility and promote social justice) on children’s gratitude behaviors. A marginally significant meditational pathway was found wherein parents who had stronger morally-motivated reasons for socialization engaged in more gratitude socialization behaviors, and parents who engaged in more socialization behaviors had children who engaged in more gratitude-related behaviors. These findings provide a basis for understanding how parents’ different reasons for socialization influence the development of gratitude in children, which may have implications for children’s socio-emotional well-being.
  • spring 2016
  • Socialization
  • https://doi.org/10.17615/44c9-5x31
  • Honors Thesis
  • In Copyright
  • Funding: Tom and Elizabeth Long Excellence Fund for Honors
  • Hussong, Andrea
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Highest Honors
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Jennifer E. Lansford, Ph.D.

5 Ways to Promote Children’s Thankfulness and Gratitude

What parents can do and how it benefits children..

Posted November 15, 2020

RODNAE Productions/Pexels

Feeling and showing gratitude can promote happiness , increase life satisfaction, reduce depression , and improve other aspects of both physical and mental health. Children and adolescents who are more grateful get better grades, are better liked by their peers, and are less likely to get in fights.

Many of parents’ earliest attempts at instilling gratitude in their children focus on manners, such as teaching children to say “thank you” at socially appropriate times. Initially when they say “thank you,” children are often acknowledging receiving a tangible object, such as a birthday present. But, parents can encourage children to be thankful for more than the object by helping them to recognize the gift-giver’s effort in selecting the gift, love in giving the gift, and care in remembering the child’s birthday as ways to focus the child’s attention on the social relationship rather than material possession.

What are some specific ways that parents can promote children’s thankfulness and gratitude?

1. Focus on children’s perspective-taking skills and understanding of emotions. Infants and toddlers do not yet have the cognitive ability to understand that others’ perspectives differ from their own. But, as children move through preschool, they are increasingly able to understand that other people may have thoughts, beliefs, and feelings that differ from their own. When parents talk with children about their own and others’ emotions and help children understand other people’s perspectives, children become better at recognizing how other people benefit them and expressing gratitude to others.

2. Have gratitude conversations. Help children talk about what they’re grateful for and when they’re not grateful. These conversations can focus on helping children notice others’ acts of kindness, think about when gifts are given freely without expectation of reciprocity, connect positive feelings to others’ generosity , and express appreciation that is heartfelt and pays the benefits forward. A free, online 30-minute video program that is part of the Raising Grateful Children project offers specific examples of how parents can initiate these conversations.

3. Show children how to keep a gratitude journal. Young children can draw pictures, and older children can write in the journal to note each day at least one specific thing they’re grateful for that day. The items noted should be specific enough to capture particular positives during the day (that my friend got to come over to play after school; that my dad made pizza for dinner) rather than so broad that it would apply every day (my family). Keeping a daily gratitude journal has been found to increase children’s (and adults’) happiness and reduce depression. This activity can help raise awareness of the positive things that happen every day and bring focus on them, even if they’re small. Children can go back and re-read the gratitude journal if they’re feeling sad.

4. Model gratitude. Many of the things we’re grateful for aren’t material possessions but social relationships, experiences, and emotions. Parents can let children hear them expressing love and appreciation to other people, and parents can express gratitude toward children (e.g., “I really appreciate that you picked up your toys without my even asking! That helped me a lot!”).

5. Give children opportunities to practice. As with most things in life, practice helps children improve at expressing gratitude. During dinner, parents can encourage children to talk about their highs and lows of the day and what they were grateful for. Parents can also invent games to give children practice, such as by wrapping a silly object that would be an undesired gift (e.g., a sock), having the child open the “present,” and asking the child to say thanks in a way that is creative and acknowledges the present in a way that would make the gift-giver feel good (e.g., “Thank you for the sock. It’s my favorite color and will go with my red shorts.”). The goal is to have children focus on gratitude for the person who gave the gift rather than whatever the material object may be.

Parents can start by helping a child be grateful for one aspect of life and building from there. This focus on gratitude may even help parents become more grateful for their children and children to become more grateful for their parents.

Jennifer E. Lansford, Ph.D.

Jennifer E. Lansford, Ph.D., is a Research Professor at Duke University who studies parenting and child development in diverse cultural contexts.

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How to Be Respectful of Your Parents

Last Updated: February 1, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Wits End Parenting . Wits End Parenting is a parent-coaching practice based in Berkeley, California specializing in strong-willed, “spirited” children with impulsivity, emotional volatility, difficulty “listening,” defiance, and aggression. Wits End Parenting's counselors incorporate positive discipline that is tailored to each child’s temperament while also providing long-term results, freeing parents from the need to continually re-invent their discipline strategies. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 351,994 times.

Sometimes it may seem like your parents don’t understand, and that can lead to a negative relationship with them. Despite that, it is important to remain respectful toward your parents. If you want to show your parents more respect, you can easily reevaluate your thoughts and actions towards your parents to ensure that you’re treating them with the kindness they deserve.

Changing Your Thoughts and Feelings About Your Parents

Step 1 Be grateful.

  • Tell them face-to-face. The easiest way to show gratitude is to thank them and tell them that you appreciate who they are and what they do.
  • Do something small but meaningful. For example, clean the kitchen after dinner or take the trash out without being asked. Parents will notice and appreciate your acts of kindness.
  • Compliment them on something they do well. For instance, tell your mom how great of a cook she is, or tell your dad how awesome he is at his job.

Step 2 Understand differing perspectives.

  • Ask your parents questions to learn more about them. Understand that your parents are from a different generation and a lot changes with time. Engaging them in conversation will help bridge the gap in order to understand each other better.
  • Keep a journal about your interactions with your parents. By re-reading a journal, you'll see things with more honesty instead of reinterpreting events in a way that benefits only you.
  • Talk to an unbiased party. Talking to someone who has nothing to gain can help you see things from others' perspectives, including that of your parents. Learning to see "where they are coming from" helps in building a mutually respectful relationship.

Step 3 Value their wisdom.

  • As an example, if you were to visit a doctor, you would want someone who had the experience and training to diagnose and treat your illness. The same is true for parents. Learning to see them as professionals at life will help you to develop a different level of respect for them.

Step 4 Remember how much they love you.

  • Recognize that when parents seem to be getting in your way, they are, but with good reason. Parents often act as a shield to protect their kids from anything they consider to be harmful.
  • Because parents love you they are concerned about your future success. When parents perceive your behavior as something that threatens to limit your potential achievement, it can often cause conflict in your relationship. Realize that it usually comes from a place of love.

Changing Your Behavior Towards Your Parents

Step 1 Follow rules.

  • Be clear about expectations. Know what your parents' rules are so you can avoid any confusion and avoid accidentally breaking rules.
  • Take a second to stop and think about the consequences. Think about what ripple effect your actions may have and how it will impact you and those around you. Ask yourself if it is really worth it.

Step 2 Practice good manners.

  • Say "please," and "thank you." Words are powerful and each of those words carries meaning. Aside from being polite, it shows a level of gratitude and appreciation which are both part of respecting your parents.
  • Watch your language. Be careful about the topics of conversations and your word choice around your parents. Parents always think of their children as their babies (regardless of how old they are). They would prefer to see them through a clean and pure lens.

Step 3 Spend time with them.

  • Tap into their interests. Take an interest in what your parents do in their spare time. Whether it's sports, dancing, music, or gardening, ask them questions and show them that you are taking an interest in them.
  • Make them a priority by choosing to spend time with them over your friends once in a while. They'll really appreciate the gesture.

Step 4 Show them affection.

  • Tell your parents you love them at random times and not just when expected or when you want something.
  • Give your parents random hugs or kisses just because. If they ask what the unexpected action was for tell them something like, "just because you're you."

Improving Communication With Your Parents

Step 1 Don't talk back.

  • Recognize the problem first. If you realize the problem and want to change it, you've already taken the biggest step. It takes maturity to understand the differing perspectives and reactions between kids and parents.
  • Apologize to your parents. Admit to your parents that you have disrespected them, and ask them for their assistance as you attempt to change your behavior.
  • Take a mental "time-out." The next time you are tempted to say something disrespectful, take a second to regroup before speaking from emotion alone. Take into consideration what your parents are saying, and where they are coming from. [7] X Research source

Step 2 Watch your body language.

  • Avoid crossing your arms. This shows that you are defensive and not open to communicating.
  • Watch your tone. Avoid being sarcastic or raising the tone of your voice. This shows that emotions are beginning to take over instead of logic. Try speaking in a calm and controlled manner instead.
  • Make eye contact. This shows that you are genuine in what you are saying and that you are interested in hearing what your parents have to say as well.

Step 3 Don't bring up the past.

  • Check for unresolved problems before beginning a conversation. If you know you're holding onto anger or pain, they can be a hindrance to effective communication. Clear up any unresolved issues (one at a time) before attempting to move forward.
  • At the beginning of your conversation, make an agreement with your parents that you will only focus on one issue at a time. If either of you seems to be straying from the topic, politely remind each other to stay on topic.

Step 4 Agree to disagree.

  • Write it out. Consider what point you're trying to get across to your parents, and write out reasons and examples that will support your argument.
  • Talk to them at a later time. Reschedule your discussion for a time when emotions aren't running high. Instead, choose a time when your parents aren't busy or stressed to sit down and calmly present your argument.
  • Use "I" statements to get your point across without being defensive. "I" statements consist of the behavior that is bothering you, how it makes you feel, and what needs to change. For example, instead of saying, "you never listen to me" you could replace the statement with "I feel as if I'm not being heard, and I would like my opinion to matter more."

Step 5 Engage in open conversation.

  • Trust them with your secrets. Of course, you won't feel comfortable telling your parents everything, but showing them that you trust them with a small secret will demonstrate your appreciation towards their wisdom.
  • Don't be afraid to show emotions. It's okay to show fear, anger, nervousness, joy or any other emotions with your parents. Allowing them into your life is just a small gesture to show them you care.

Expert Q&A

Wits End Parenting

  • Parents work hard every day to make sure you have both your needs and your wants met. They deserve your respect; even if you don't always get along, show them respect and tell them that you appreciate them. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
  • Buy them random gifts and treats, even if it's not a special occasion. A small box of chocolates, or a bottle of wine, can show just how much you care. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 3
  • Keep in mind that parents aren't perfect. They've made mistakes and will continue to make mistakes. Learn to love them unconditionally, just as they do towards you. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0

essay on gratitude towards parents

  • ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/gratitude
  • ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/family-conflict
  • ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/wisdom
  • ↑ Wits End Parenting. Parenting Specialists. Expert Interview. 5 March 2020.
  • ↑ http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/parenting/why-do-kids-talk-back
  • ↑ http://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-questions-and-answers/my-problem-is-that-i-talk-back-to-my-parents-i-want-to
  • ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/nonverbal-communication.htm
  • ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tips-disagree.html
  • ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/talk-to-parents.html

About This Article

Wits End Parenting

As a young adult, one of the best ways you can show respect for your parents is by being grateful. This includes things like saying please and thank you and following their rules and advice. For example, if your parents tell you that you can’t go to a party, you can show your respect for them by listening to them. Not only will that demonstrate to your parents that you respect them, but they'll also appreciate your maturity. For more advice from our Social Worker reviewer on how to respect your parents through better communication, keep scrolling! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Thank You Speech for Parents in English for Students

In any child's life, parents play a very meaningful role. We never get chances in public to thank our parents, but when you really want to express your gratitude to your parents, there may be gatherings and occasions or some form of celebration. If you have ever wondered how to thank parents through speech, these speeches of thanks to parents will help you express gratitude and love for your parents, making a positive impression on the audience and your parents. Here, we have provided both Long And Short Thank You Speech For Parents.

Long Thank You Speech for Parents in English

Thank you, everyone, for gathering here and being a part of our celebration. As you all know, I will be leaving soon for my masters and I can’t thank you all enough for being there throughout with me.

I would like to thank my father for helping me understand what I was and am capable of, for giving me the strength I needed to follow my dreams, and for believing that I have the skills and potential to achieve my goals. There were moments when I gave up; it was only you who walked with me to provide me with the support that I needed. I still recall my childhood when, after returning from school, you spent countless hours helping me learn mathematics, the one subject that always terrified me. You showed me how to solve the sums so quickly. At that time, I didn't know that you would also play the same role for the emotional aspects too, today when I feel discouraged; you show me how to easily fix my problems and if any problem continues, you give me your shoulder to rest upon. You are the most important pillar of my life and my greatest strength.

My life, without my mother's contribution, is incomplete. For making me what I am today, I can never thank her enough. In all phases of my life, she has always been committed and helpful in every possible way. She cooks, she organizes my room, she makes everything available for me in the right place and at the right time, she says nice words of gratitude, and her feeling proud of me gives me immense courage and confidence to go ahead in life. And she does all of these, despite working day in and day out in her daily life. I constantly wonder, is my mom a superwoman? I assume that for an average person like me, it is not at all possible to do all that she does for us. Today, to celebrate my performance, I am standing here in the middle of all my loved ones. All this has been possible for my parents, who have been training me and been there with me throughout this journey.

They loved me, cared for me, trusted me when I was losing hope, stayed awake with me during my examination days, stayed awake to take care of me when I fell ill, guided me on the right path when I failed in my entrance examination.

I can't thank both of you enough for what you've done for me. I would be standing nowhere if it weren't for you both; it's going to be hard for me for the next two years because I might not get the comfort of your embrace, but we’ll stay connected through video calls and of course from the core of our hearts.

Short Thank You Speech for Parents in English

Greetings to everyone present here today. Thank you for taking out time to be a part of our celebration. It means a lot to me. As you all know, I will be leaving home soon to pursue my master’s degree. Today, I am here to thank each one of you for your support and wishes. Most importantly, I would like to thank my parents for everything.

Dad, you've always been the backbone of my life, I've never seen you cry in the darkest moments of your life. Apart from being my superman; you are also a human being with emotions and I realized that when I saw you getting emotional about my departure. Mom, you're the most amazing person on earth; you've always taught me to be kind to others. The greatest mantra of success that I have gained from you is patience and determination. You taught me to be considerate and told me to remain cool with someone in any kind of altercation, which led me to have a huge circle of friends.

Today, my life has a purpose and a goal, all because of your relentless effort and faith in me. I thank my parents today for their blessings and the constant support that they have been for me. There are not enough words to express how grateful I am to them for everything they have done for me. Today I am using this opportunity to thank my parents as we all have gathered here. Thank you for being the best parents a child could dream of.

10 Lines on Thank You Card for Parents

In everybody's life, parents are jewels.

Without parents' love and support, a child can't enjoy a healthy life.

Our parents support us on every path in our lives, from birth to adulthood.

They teach us integrity and truthfulness. 

They teach us to distinguish, in our lives, the good from the evil.

They help us pursue our goals, and they make sure we do not face any hurdles.

The role of our parents in our lives is immeasurable.

Thank you isn't enough to describe their continuous encouragement and help, in our lives.

It is our duty to make them feel special, as they do so much for us wholeheartedly throughout their lives.

Our parents believe in us on the days we hate ourselves, and provide every possible comfort for us so that we can live peacefully.

Tips for Speech 

Be confident before you start your speech

The introduction of a speech is exceptionally important. It should be strong and to the point. 

Always have valid points and don’t add fluff to prolong it. 

To ensure you don’t forget anything, start slowly and have a paper with points to help you remember something if you forget.

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FAQs on Thank You Speech for Parents

1. How to start a thank you speech?

I would like to speak about parents today. Parents are those who gave us the opportunity to enter this beautiful world. Parents are the greatest gift from God. In Fact parents are Gods on Earth. Parents are one of the most beautiful things in this world because they give us life, nurture us, teach us, give us good upbringing, and dedicate their entire lives to us. So, you should always love and respect your parents and should always care for them.

2. When do we celebrate parents day and why? What is the history of parents day? 

Every year on the 26 th of July, we celebrate Parent's Day all over the world. Parents are the best gifts in everyone's life, and a day to thank them is a must. Parents' Day celebrates responsible parenting and the special bond between parents and children. This day also honors positive parental role models. As a result of Bill Clinton's signing of a law in 1994, a resolution was approved by the US Congress establishing the fourth Sunday of every July as Parents' Day. In the Congressional resolution, it is noted that Parents' Day is a nation-wide holiday.

3. In a speech, how to be grateful to your parents?

Your speech can start by discussing how your parents have impacted your life, why you are thankful, and how you are thankful. Words may not be enough for their contributions, but it is a great way to thank your parents and convey their importance. To make your speech more special you can add a few qualities of your parents and how they impacted your life and make it perfect. Example- I am grateful to my parents for imparting the best education to me and helping me to develop into a good human being.

4. What is the importance of parents in our life? 

Children's development depends heavily on their parents. They provide everything they need at the time when they are developing. Parents reduce their own living costs to make their children more educated. For the future of their children, parents sacrifice everything. - Parents provide unconditional love to their children.  They provide financial and moral support and play a central role in everyone's life. Discipline and relationships are taught to children by their parents. Parents are the best friends.  Parents are always ready to help when you fall thus they play a very vital role in everyone’s life.

5. What are the Examples of a thank you speech for parents?

We are all gathered here today on the occasion of Parents Day, and as the head girl of this school, I would like to take this chance to say a few words of thanks to my parents because they are the reason I am able to stand here in front of you. They are the only two people who have let me come this far.  As a parent, you play a highly significant and precious role in your child's life. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to my mother, for only a mother sacrifices and goes through a difficult journey in order to raise their child.

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Thank you Speech for Parents to show your gratitude

essay on gratitude towards parents

Table of Contents

Parents play a very important role in every child’s life. We seldom get opportunities to thank our parents in public. But there may be events and occasions or any kind of celebration when you really want to show your gratitude towards your parents. If you ever wondered how to thank parents through speech; these thank you speeches for parents would help you leave a strong impact on the audience and your parents too. Our short and long thank you speech for parents can be used on occasions like birthday celebrations and you can use this thank you speech for parents as a sample to create speech for your wedding, etc.

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Parents Thank you Speech

Thank you speech for parents – 1.

Dear friends,

I would like to thank you all for assembling here and being a part of our celebration. As you all know, I have been selected to accomplish a project in the UK; so for the next 2 years, I’ll be staying there. While, I am very glad and highly excited about the achievement, I am getting little emotional at the same time.

I would like to utilise this opportunity to thank the people who have been the pillars of my success. Most of you, including my colleagues, seniors and bosses have seen only the successful part of mine; my parents are the only people who have worked day in and day out to prepare me for the challenges in life.

I would specifically like to thank my father for making me realize what I was and am capable of, for giving me the strength that I required to pursue my dreams and for believing that I have the necessary skills and capability to accomplish my goals. There had been times, when I gave up; it was only you, who walked along with me to give me the much needed support. I still remember my childhood when you spent countless hours after returning from work and helped me learning Maths: the one subject that always scared me. You taught me methods to solve the problems so easily. I didn’t realise at that time, you will play the same role for the emotional aspects too, today when I feel disheartened; you show me ways to tackle me problems easily and if the problem persists, you give me your shoulder to rest upon my problems. You are the most important pillar of my life and the biggest strength that God has given me.

My father always said that our house was incomplete without the contribution of my mother. I can never thank her enough for making me what I am today. You have always been so dedicated and supportive in all stages of my life. You cook, arrange my room, make available everything at the right place and at the right time, say nice and appreciative words and feel proud of me. And you do all these, despite managing your work life. I often wonder, is my mother a super woman? I believe that this is not at all possible for an ordinary person like me. Today, I am standing here amidst all my near and dear ones in order to celebrate my success.

But this is all because of my parents who prepared me for this success. They have loved me, cared for me, trusted me when I would lose hope, stayed awake during my exam days for meeting my dietary needs, stayed awake with me when I fell sick, cried with me when I lost the medical entrance test.

I can’t thank you both enough for everything you have done for me. Without you both, I stand nowhere; the coming 2 years will be difficult for me, because I may not get the warmth of your hug, but I’ll stay connected through the technology.

Once again, thank you dear parents!

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Thank you Speech for Parents – 2

Respected Principal, Respected Teachers and My Dear Friends!

Welcome to the annual celebration of our Boarding School ABC. This is the day, which each one of us waits for, since this represents the closing of the school for the next 2 months when the children would stay with their respective parents, go on vacation or enjoy their holiday as per their wishes.

This year, I have been given the honour to deliver the annual day speech. I would especially like to utilise this moment to thank those people who have transformed my life – my parents.

There are not sufficient words to describe how thankful I am to them, for everything they have done for me. But that doesn’t lessen the value of my teachers. I am utilising this platform today to thank my parents as they have also gathered here. Parents do so much for us right from our birth till the end and I realised this only when I came to the boarding school. No wonder, the school has taught me discipline and to be self-dependent, but the importance of parents in life is eternal.

I am not making any comparison here; but today I would be biased and thank my parents for their blessings and endless support they have given to me.

Papa and Mummy, I want to tell you that I am not at all angry that you sent me here. I later realised, how judicious decision it was on your parts to send me to the boarding school because not only that I learnt to be an ideal child but I also made a lot of friends here. I want to thank you for showering endless love upon me in every situation. Thank you for explaining me with utmost love when I made silly mistakes. Thank you for being patient in listening to my every little problem over the phone and helping me to find their solutions.

Papa, you have always remained the pillar of my life, I have never seen you crying even in the darkest moments of your life. I always thought that my dad is a super human while that was not true; you are also a human being with an emotional heart and I realised that when I saw you getting emotional over my departure. You bought everything for me and fulfilled all my irrational demands.

Mummy, you are the most wonderful person in the world; you always taught me to be kind towards others. Patience and Persistence are the biggest mantra of ‘success’ that I learnt from you. You taught me to be considerate and advised me to stay calm in any kind of altercation with anyone, due to which I am loaded with friends today.

My life has a mission and vision today; all due to your endless effort and trust upon me. I understand, it was the toughest decision for you to send me to the hostel but you made it because you wanted to transform the irrational child of yours to a polite and considerate human being.

I have learnt a lot from you after being away from you; most importantly I have started valuing people and their efforts.

I can’t thank you enough for whatever you have done and still doing for me; yet I want to say ‘Thank you’ Mummy and Papa, I Love you!

Thank you Speech for Parents – 3

A very good morning to all!

Today we all have gathered here on the account of “Parents Day” and as a head girl of this school I would like to take this worthy opportunity to say a few words to thank my parents because they are the reason I am able to stand here in front of you. They are the only two people who supported me in all ups and downs of my life. Parents are the real blessing, which God gives us as they stand by us in every walk of life.

Parents play an important and a precious role in every child’s life. Utilizing this opportunity, I would especially like to thank my mother because it is only a mother who sacrifices and goes through a painful journey to raise her child. Behind every successful person there is a mother who is always ready to sacrifice anything just to see her child happy. A mother is a goddess who goes through a lot of pain and sacrifices her own blood to give us birth.

We all goes through many ups and downs, the only people who stood and will stand by us are our parents. There are many relationships we have in our lives, but they are flimsy most of the times and there is only one relationship that remains till our last breath and that relationship is what we share with our parents. Parents are the only people who never step back at the time when we need them and they are always there for us does not matter how difficult the situation is. This is the only relation, which we could rely on.

The person who supported me and taught me about conquering difficult situations of my life is my father. He is the only man who always tried to raise a conqueror out of me rather than suppressing me. He always supports me in every way, whether it is a mental support or financial support. He is the only man, whom I can trust blindly in every single second of my life. He always acted as a shield when I needed protection from difficult situation in my life. Don’t you feel safe when you are with your parents as I do? I feel like I am covered with a shield and no fear of drowning could come near me.

Unfortunately, not many children have this blessing and may be they could explain the importance of parents much better than me. I cannot imagine my life without my parents and it seems like a worst nightmare to me which I never want to see. I am very glad and thankful to God that he gave me the blessing called parents and I will try to give every happiness and comfort that they had lost just to raise me and making my future bright.

On this note, I would like to end my speech and extend special thanks to our parents for coming here to grace the event!

Thank you Speech for Parents – 4

Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen!

Today our company has organized an event on account of “Parents Day” and as a manager it is my privilege to utilize this opportunity to say a few words for my parents. Actually, the words will fall short of its meaning when it comes to expressing our gratitude towards our parents as they are indeed the most precious blessing from God and cannot be replaced by any other relationship. They are the only two people who hold my hands whenever I need their support. They are reason, why I have been standing in front of you as a manager of this prosperous company.

I want to thank my mother for giving me my life and raising me by sacrificing her own happiness. We usually come to hear that there is a woman behind every successful person and yes, it is true because she is the mother. A mother is the most caring person we all have in our lives. Her sacrifices are infinite. She is the only person who goes through pain just for her child’s comfort. She always remains awake until I reach home. She is truly a goddess whose blessing always acts as a backbone for our lives. Without her support, it would be impossible for me to attain this position on which I am today. She deserves respect and equal credit for my success. There have been times when I faced complete emotional breakdown and a feeling of unrest due to the peer pressure of work; then she was the one who comforted me and brought peace to my mind through her optimistic attitude and kind words.

There are some points in life in which you need a hand which can help you getting out of your problems. My father is the only man who owns my trust and he never steps back when I need him the most. He is always there for my support. He prepared me for the difficulties that came in my life. He always acted as a strong support me which I can never forget. Right from academic years to my present job, he has always acted as an excellent guide. He provided me enough strength and positivity to raise my career to an outstanding height. He worked over time only to provide me with every comfort that I needed. They both kept awake at late nights to prepare me for exams and it’s not only my hard work but their utmost concern too that helped me accomplish my goals.

My parents are the actual reason for my success in my career and without them I would be nothing. It is completely unimaginable for me to think about a life without my parents but there are some children who do not have this blessing and are unaware of this love which we get from our parents. On seeing them, it feels very fortunate that I have a loving father and a caring mother. My only aim now is to provide my parents with the best of everything because they deserve the best after all such sacrifices they did for me.

On this note, I would like to conclude my speech. Thank you all for your patience and I wish you all a great day ahead!

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essay on gratitude towards parents

500 Words Essay on Gratitude For Parents Introduction. Gratitude for parents is a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation towards our parents. They are the ones who bring us into this world and take care of us with immense love and kindness. They guide us, teach us, and shape us into the individuals we become. This essay will explore the ...

Answer 1: Parents are the most precious gifts anyone can get. However, as not everyone has them, we must consider ourselves lucky if we do. They are the strength and support system of children and help them out always. Moreover, the parents train the children to overcome challenges and make the best decision for us.

June 7, 2017. Reading Time: 3 mins read. Patrice Relerford (right) of the Minneapolis Foundation, presenting Ananda White with her certificate. Ananda White is a 2017 Cecil E. Newman Scholarship recipient. Below is her scholarship-winning essay. The two most influential people to guide my life and education are my parents Angela and Brian White.

When parents express genuine gratitude towards their children, it creates a sense of validation and emotional connection. Children feel seen, valued, and acknowledged for their contributions ...

A moment of gratitude shuts that party down so I can get clear on what I need to do and get through the rest of the day. 2. Whenever my girls get sick or injured, my thoughts start spinning. I waver between worrying about their health and stressing about the work I won't get done.

List of Essays on Gratitude for Students and Teachers. #1 Essay on Gratitude Towards Parents Gratitude is one of the most underestimated ways anyone can use to enrich their lives. It is the feeling and attitude of appreciation and thankfulness for the good that we receive in life. Scientists have proven that when we express our gratefulness towards other people, we tend to

Thank My Parents Essay. Decent Essays. 715 Words. 3 Pages. Open Document. There is an old saying about children and their parents: "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," and in many situations this saying is true, and I am a prime example. I am quite similar to my parents in many ways and I have been profoundly impacted by them.

Parents are at all times ready to forgive our misconduct. There is no basis for children to disrespect their parents because respecting them is the only way of showing gratitude. Notably, parents are the valid reasons of existence, and we should be courteous, provide for their need and help, as well as living by their expectation on moral grounds.

Question 1: Why is gratitude important? Answer 1: Gratitude is strongly and constantly connected with greater happiness. It is what helps people feel more positive emotions, appreciate good experiences, advance their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

In this study, expressing gratitude predicted greater well-being and family functioning 1 week later via increases in positive emotions. Notably, across both studies neither felt nor expressed ...

Your parents mobilize their energies and give you all the necessities for survival. For this reason, fatigue is a key feature of parenthood. ... To have a mother is to be in perpetual deficit of thanks toward her. This missing gratitude is a kind of high-interest loan that can never be paid back. ... This essay is a roundabout way of thanking ...

Parent-child conversations are a widely recognized socializing mechanism, linked to children's developing moral agency, empathy, and emotional competence. Similarly, parent-child conversations about gratitude have been linked to growth in children's gratitude. However, the messages that parents and children exchange in conversations about children's gratitude have yet to be investigated ...

This is an awesome practice for the entire family, actually. Take a nice jar, preferably one that you can easily see into. Now, everytime that you notice you are grateful for something in your child or in yourself as a parent, put a small amount of money in that jar. 10, 25 or 50 cents would do the trick.

I examined how the reasons for gratitude socialization among parents relate to their socialization behaviors and children's gratitude behaviors. Parents (n=101) reported on their reasons for gratitude socialization in a baseline survey and then seven-days of online diaries about their gratitude socialization behaviors and their children's ...

Keeping a daily gratitude journal has been found to increase children's (and adults') happiness and reduce depression. This activity can help raise awareness of the positive things that happen ...

1. Be grateful. Gratitude is simply being thankful and appreciative for what you have. [1] Aside from bringing you into the world, parents sacrifice time, energy, and effort in order to make sure your needs and wants are met. Showing them that you appreciate their efforts demonstrates a level of respect towards them.

Today, I am here to thank each one of you for your support and wishes. Most importantly, I would like to thank my parents for everything. Dad, you've always been the backbone of my life, I've never seen you cry in the darkest moments of your life. Apart from being my superman; you are also a human being with emotions and I realized that when I ...

Essay on Gratitude For Parents. Students are often asked to write an essay on Gratitude For Parents in their schools and colleges. And if you're also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic. Let's take a look… 100 Words Essay on Gratitude For Parents. Understanding gratitude.

5. Values and Gratitude. Exercising gratitude trains us to establish positive values such as enthusiasm and optimism. Use this prompt to identify and discuss the values one can gain from learning about gratitude. Discuss the values you developed while practicing gratitude to make your essay relatable.

Short Thank You Speech for Parents Of 150 Words In English. Dear Mom and Dad, Today I would like to show my gratefulness to you both. I am so blessed and honored to have you both as my parents. I want to show my thankfulness for your love and support over the years.

Thank you Speech for Parents - 1. Dear friends, I would like to thank you all for assembling here and being a part of our celebration. As you all know, I have been selected to accomplish a project in the UK; so for the next 2 years, I'll be staying there. While, I am very glad and highly excited about the achievement, I am getting little ...

Expressing gratitude towards parents through words can be a truly touching and powerful gesture. Whether it's for support, love, or guidance, this collection of thank you letters covers a range of sentiments fitting various moments. Use them as a foundation to build your unique, heartfelt letter of gratitude.

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Gratitude Essay

500 words essay on gratitude.

Gratitude is a beautiful way of enriching our lives. It refers to the feeling and attitude of appreciation and thankfulness for the good which we receive in life. It has been proven scientifically that when we express our gratefulness to other people, we feel happier and calmer. Thus, it allows goodness to enter our lives. For instance, when a stranger holds the door for you or greets you, it makes you feel happy. Thus, a gratitude essay will teach us how advantageous gratitude is.

gratitude essay

Advantages of Gratitude

Gratitude can have a lot of advantages to our personal as well as social life. First of all, it strengthens our relationship with others. When you have a thankful feeling, it will strengthen the bond with the other party and enhance the trust factor and feeling of respect and love .

Moreover, it also makes us happy. When we express gratitude or receive it, we feel happy either way. As a result, people who have gratitude do not stress out a lot. Similarly, being full of gratitude makes society sensible.

In other words, people become considerate and never leave a chance to say thank you to others. Thus, it helps society to progress in the right direction with the right tools needed for the development of it.

Most importantly, gratitude reduces comparisons and promotes acknowledgement. When we become thankful, we do not compare ourselves to others. Thus, it helps us acknowledge our own achievements and blessings and remain content.

How to Practice Gratitude

There are a lot of ways through which we can practice gratitude. Some of the most effective ones include making a note of every good thing which happens to us every day. Moreover, also note the people behind it.

This will help you to return the favour at an appropriate time. Never forget to return this favour as they deserve it too. Moreover, always make sure to appreciate everything in life ranging from nature to animals .

We are lucky enough to have animals, green plants, fresh air and much more. Thus, never stop acknowledging the importance of these essential things. Moreover, always remember to say thank you to different community helpers.

It can be anyone, whether your gardener or sweeper or even the police officers. Make sure you thank them for their service whenever it is possible for you. Remember that to wake up every day is no less than a blessing itself.

So, make sure to be grateful for a new day and thank the almighty for making you wiser and stronger with each passing day. Most importantly, try to avoid complaining about things when they don’t go your way. You don’t know about the blessing behind it.

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Conclusion of Gratitude Essay

All in all, gratitude is the most essential human expression which proves that humans are sensible and have emotions. Moreover, this emotion does not just limit to humans but also animals. Often, we see then express their gratitude and return the favour. Thus, we must always express our gratitude.

FAQ of Gratitude Essay

Question 1: Why is gratitude important?

Answer 1: Gratitude is strongly and constantly connected with greater happiness. It is what helps people feel more positive emotions, appreciate good experiences, advance their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

Question 2: How can gratitude change your life?

Answer 2: Gratitude can change your life as it makes you appreciate what you have rather than what you don’t have. It can change your life  because it is the single most powerful source of inspiration that any individual can tap into if they simply stop and pay attention to the simplistic beauty and miracle of life.

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Essay on Gratitude

essay gratitude towards parents

#1 Essay on Gratitude Towards Parents

#2 essay on gratitude towards teachers, #3 essay on gratitude towards friends, #4 essay on gratitude towards god, #5 essay on gratitude towards school, #6 essay on gratitude day.

Gratitude is one of the most underestimated ways anyone can use to enrich their lives. It is the feeling and attitude of appreciation and thankfulness for the good that we receive in life.

Scientists have proven that when we express our gratefulness towards other people, we tend to feel happier, calmer and as a result, it opens up more channels for goodness to enter into our lives.

Imagine going through a day where strangers smile at you, greet you, and people hold the door open for you, and more importantly, you feel that this world is full of kindness and people are willing to help you without expecting any return. How would that make your day?

The best part about being grateful and to live a good life, you can do not have to wait for people to do good to you, instead, be the first one to act and express your thankfulness to them, especially your parents.

Why Do You Need To Show Gratitude Towards Parents

Robert Emmons, one of the world’s leading scientist and expert on the subject of gratitude reveals that feeling grateful have many benefits for your body, mind, and relationships, especially towards your parents.

You have to understand that your parents are the closest people you have when you were young and they are the ones that you spent the most time with. Well, this may not be true for everyone, but it is true for the majority of the people out there.

Kindness and success start from home. Another important point to remember is that you will someday become a parent too. And thus, how you treat your parents will somehow leave an impact on your relationship between you and your children.

If you are grateful for your parents and always be thankful for the good that they have brought into your life, you will feel the same when you become a parent.

What Are The Best Ways To Express Your Gratitude Towards Parents

There are plenty of ways how you can express your gratitude and thankfulness toward your parents. One of the easiest and most effective ways is to just say “Thank you”.

When your parents cook a meal for you, when they help you solve a problem, when they do something for you, when they guide you, when they buy you a new shoe, when they give you money to live, do not forget to say thank you.

Another good way to express your gratitude towards your parents is to spend more time with them and accompany them. You do not have to wait until when their hair turns gray or when they are 80 years old only to spend your time with them. Remember how your parents spend their time and life nurturing you, feeding you and making sure that you grow up becoming who you are today? Do the same and take good care of your parents, this is one of the best ways to express your thankfulness to them.

Some people express their gratitude through composing a song, some write thank you letters, some show it through hugs and kisses, and some bring their parents for vacation. What about you?

Regardless of what you do to show your gratefulness towards your parents, the key is to make sure that you do it before time runs out.

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As you might already know, expressing your gratitude towards people is something that will not only enrich your life but also enrich the lives of the one you express your thanks to.

Studies have shown that expressing your gratefulness toward someone has many benefits including raising your self-esteem, making you happier, and also giving you a sense of fulfillment in life.

And when it comes to showing your appreciation, one of the most important figures you should be thankful for will be your teachers. Most people who practice writing gratitude lists often miss out their teachers in the list because they only interact with their teachers in school. And after they get into the working world, materials and people around them are their main focus.

Do you know that teachers are the people who you spend the most time with besides your parents and friends? More importantly, a teacher’s mission is to educate you and make sure that you learn what you are supposed to learn in school. Their mission also often intertwined with life and inspirational lessons to motivate you to succeed in life.

Take Les Brown, the motivational speaker as an example. In his motivational speech, he often quoted the person who inspired and changed his life, his teacher, Leroy Washington. Brown was born poor and was labeled as “educable mentally retarded”. Despite the fact that Brown was a slow learner, his teacher never abandoned him, instead, he inspired him by telling young Brown, “Never let someone’s opinion of you become your reality”.

As you can see, your teachers play an important role in shaping who you are today. You are where you are right now because of the influence of your teachers. Regardless of whether your teachers have positively impacted your life, you should feel grateful for them at all times.

There are plenty of ways how you can express your gratefulness toward your teachers, including:

1. Write a thank you essay to your teacher. Show your appreciation through words and this is not a test, hence, write with an open heart and sincerity.

2. Buy a best-selling book for your teacher. Somehow, teachers should love to read and always pursue for improvement, be it in career or at life, right?

3. Show your appreciation by doing homework and follow the advice from your teachers. This is one of the easiest ways to show your gratitude towards your teacher. Just do your best and excel in school.

4. Say a simple “Thank you”, after every class. This small and simple act will profoundly change your teacher’s life.

5. Remember your teacher’s birthday and buy him or her a gift as a token of appreciation. And your teacher will remember you for the rest of his or her life.

The above are just some of the ideas on how you can show your thankfulness towards your teacher. It is not the idea that matter, the key is that you do something that your teacher will remember and receive your appreciation. Even if it is as tiny as a simple “thank you”, your teacher will feel it.

As students, many teachers and educators will pass through your life without remembrance. Therefore, starting from now on, do something and to express your gratitude to the people have guided you in life.

There is an old saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed”, and friends hold a special place in our heart as they are the ones who will always be by our side whenever we need them. We simply cannot live in this world all by ourselves without friends.

Thus, it is important to express our appreciation toward our friends, especially those who have helped us when we needed them. There are many types of friends, some you will want to keep no matter the situation, some you will want to leave or spend less time with, and some are good for social and sharing.

Writing an appreciation essay or letter to express your gratitude toward your friend is not something new. In fact, it has been around for ages and a lot of people are using this method to show their gratitude and build better and more intimate relationship with the people they spend their time with. You do not really have to follow any format when writing the essay to your friends. They are your best friends, they know you and they will accept whatever you good you are trying to tell them.

However, no matter how informal you are, you have to be sincere in writing it. You will lose the point of the gratitude letter if you sound fake and are not serious. All you need to do is to express how you feel about them. Tell your friends how much thankful you are and how much they meant to you in your life.

Besides that, to make your gratitude letter more powerful, you can include a small gift with it. It can be a keychain, a pen, a book, or even just a mint, your friend will appreciate your effort even more. You do not have to wait for the right and perfect moment to do this. If you seriously are grateful for your friends right now, take out a piece of paper, and write down your thoughts and thank them.

There are many blessings that come from being grateful for the good things we enjoy in life. And everyone has their own religion in their hearts. Deep within you, you believe in something, a higher power, a God, or something that has the power to create the world. Simply put, God wants us to learn to be grateful and thankful for all the gifts He has created for us.

This is not only about being spiritual, in fact, science has shown that people who are grateful for their Gods tend to be healthier and happier. You have probably heard the saying, “Count your blessings”, and do you know that when you literally count your blessings, you will increase your emotional and mental health? When people are not grateful, they tend to complain and blame everything and everyone. This is a negative act that will destroy your life. When you think something negative in your mind, you will feel stress, anxious, frustrated, and also angry. This will directly affect your health.

Therefore, learn to be grateful for everything in your life, especially God, the higher power that created you and everything else in the world. When you show your appreciation, you will access a calmer state, you will feel more peaceful and this makes you feel good about yourself, and your life.

One very simple act of showing your gratitude toward God through praying. Depending on what religion you believe in, everyone prays differently. The method how you pray does not really matter, the key is that you are sincere in showing your gratefulness. Furthermore, you can practice writing a gratitude list. Just write down whatever things that you want to be grateful for. It can be your cat, your dog, your house, your wife, your children, your boss, the air you are breathing, the computer you have, or whatever you can think of. Feel the appreciate and express the gratefulness deep within you.

School is one of the most important places in our lives because it is where almost everyone spends the most of their time there. It is a place that is meant to nurture us, guide us, and equip us with the necessary knowledge to prepare for the world. Everyone has their own unique memories about their school, some were meaningful and nostalgic, some were funny, and some were embarrassed.

Whatever thoughts and memories you have about your school, it does not really matter now as you have gone through it and the past will remain history forever. You simply cannot change that, but there is one thing that you can do that will impact your future life, and it is to show your gratitude toward your school and your teachers.

Schools are great places where young people get together and learn not just academically, but also about friendship, teamwork, leadership, life, and also love. On average, a normal person about 12 to 20 years in a classroom and this is where we learn to interact with others and this is also where our characters and attitudes started to grow.

So how can you show your appreciation toward your school and be grateful for what you have gone through? Well, you can start with two parts. First, you can show your gratitude toward your school by helping your school. You can make a donation when you have extra money or you can spend time into helping your school such as cleaning or repainting the building.

Next, you can also show your gratitude by writing appreciation letters to your teachers. You set a good example of being a grateful person by expressing your thoughts and let the new young generation to follow. There are plenty of ways how you can contribute to your schools and teachers. When you have the sincerity, the ideas will automatically come to you.

What is a Gratitude Day? It is a day to show appreciation for all things, big and small. Gratitude Day was first celebrated in 1965, and it was officially adopted by the United Nations Meditation Group and recognized as a day where people from around the world and from all walks of life show their gratefulness on whatever things in life.

Studies have shown that people who are grateful for the things they have and the life they are living right now are happier, calmer, and able to perform and achieve more. According to the Law of Attraction, the more you appreciate what you have, the Universe will give you more of it. For example, if you appreciate and are grateful for the money you have, you will have more of it.

So how can you celebrate this day and make it meaningful and interesting? First, you can take a moment to appreciate your family tree. Pay attention to your family members, notice how they have supported you in the past, and then express your gratefulness to them. Tell your family how much you love them. Buy a gift for them if you want to.

Next, be thankful for your community. From the server at your local restaurant, the policemen, the nurse, to the baker down the street in your neighborhood, say thank you to them. Give and show your gratitude to them. And do not forget about your friends too. Your friends are an important part of your life because you have gone through the thick and thin with them.

Besides that, thank yourself for being who you are right now and for whatever you have had in your life. When you appreciate yourself, you will have more confidence and thus, able to accomplish more. When you show your gratitude toward the things you have in life, you will appreciate them and in return, you will live an abundant life.

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Thank you Speech for Parents to show your gratitude

essay gratitude towards parents

Table of Contents

Parents play a very important role in every child’s life. We seldom get opportunities to thank our parents in public. But there may be events and occasions or any kind of celebration when you really want to show your gratitude towards your parents. If you ever wondered how to thank parents through speech; these thank you speeches for parents would help you leave a strong impact on the audience and your parents too. Our short and long thank you speech for parents can be used on occasions like birthday celebrations and you can use this thank you speech for parents as a sample to create speech for your wedding, etc.

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Parents Thank you Speech

Thank you speech for parents – 1.

Dear friends,

I would like to thank you all for assembling here and being a part of our celebration. As you all know, I have been selected to accomplish a project in the UK; so for the next 2 years, I’ll be staying there. While, I am very glad and highly excited about the achievement, I am getting little emotional at the same time.

I would like to utilise this opportunity to thank the people who have been the pillars of my success. Most of you, including my colleagues, seniors and bosses have seen only the successful part of mine; my parents are the only people who have worked day in and day out to prepare me for the challenges in life.

I would specifically like to thank my father for making me realize what I was and am capable of, for giving me the strength that I required to pursue my dreams and for believing that I have the necessary skills and capability to accomplish my goals. There had been times, when I gave up; it was only you, who walked along with me to give me the much needed support. I still remember my childhood when you spent countless hours after returning from work and helped me learning Maths: the one subject that always scared me. You taught me methods to solve the problems so easily. I didn’t realise at that time, you will play the same role for the emotional aspects too, today when I feel disheartened; you show me ways to tackle me problems easily and if the problem persists, you give me your shoulder to rest upon my problems. You are the most important pillar of my life and the biggest strength that God has given me.

My father always said that our house was incomplete without the contribution of my mother. I can never thank her enough for making me what I am today. You have always been so dedicated and supportive in all stages of my life. You cook, arrange my room, make available everything at the right place and at the right time, say nice and appreciative words and feel proud of me. And you do all these, despite managing your work life. I often wonder, is my mother a super woman? I believe that this is not at all possible for an ordinary person like me. Today, I am standing here amidst all my near and dear ones in order to celebrate my success.

But this is all because of my parents who prepared me for this success. They have loved me, cared for me, trusted me when I would lose hope, stayed awake during my exam days for meeting my dietary needs, stayed awake with me when I fell sick, cried with me when I lost the medical entrance test.

I can’t thank you both enough for everything you have done for me. Without you both, I stand nowhere; the coming 2 years will be difficult for me, because I may not get the warmth of your hug, but I’ll stay connected through the technology.

Once again, thank you dear parents!

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Thank you Speech for Parents – 2

Respected Principal, Respected Teachers and My Dear Friends!

Welcome to the annual celebration of our Boarding School ABC. This is the day, which each one of us waits for, since this represents the closing of the school for the next 2 months when the children would stay with their respective parents, go on vacation or enjoy their holiday as per their wishes.

This year, I have been given the honour to deliver the annual day speech. I would especially like to utilise this moment to thank those people who have transformed my life – my parents.

There are not sufficient words to describe how thankful I am to them, for everything they have done for me. But that doesn’t lessen the value of my teachers. I am utilising this platform today to thank my parents as they have also gathered here. Parents do so much for us right from our birth till the end and I realised this only when I came to the boarding school. No wonder, the school has taught me discipline and to be self-dependent, but the importance of parents in life is eternal.

I am not making any comparison here; but today I would be biased and thank my parents for their blessings and endless support they have given to me.

Papa and Mummy, I want to tell you that I am not at all angry that you sent me here. I later realised, how judicious decision it was on your parts to send me to the boarding school because not only that I learnt to be an ideal child but I also made a lot of friends here. I want to thank you for showering endless love upon me in every situation. Thank you for explaining me with utmost love when I made silly mistakes. Thank you for being patient in listening to my every little problem over the phone and helping me to find their solutions.

Papa, you have always remained the pillar of my life, I have never seen you crying even in the darkest moments of your life. I always thought that my dad is a super human while that was not true; you are also a human being with an emotional heart and I realised that when I saw you getting emotional over my departure. You bought everything for me and fulfilled all my irrational demands.

Mummy, you are the most wonderful person in the world; you always taught me to be kind towards others. Patience and Persistence are the biggest mantra of ‘success’ that I learnt from you. You taught me to be considerate and advised me to stay calm in any kind of altercation with anyone, due to which I am loaded with friends today.

My life has a mission and vision today; all due to your endless effort and trust upon me. I understand, it was the toughest decision for you to send me to the hostel but you made it because you wanted to transform the irrational child of yours to a polite and considerate human being.

I have learnt a lot from you after being away from you; most importantly I have started valuing people and their efforts.

I can’t thank you enough for whatever you have done and still doing for me; yet I want to say ‘Thank you’ Mummy and Papa, I Love you!

Thank you Speech for Parents – 3

A very good morning to all!

Today we all have gathered here on the account of “Parents Day” and as a head girl of this school I would like to take this worthy opportunity to say a few words to thank my parents because they are the reason I am able to stand here in front of you. They are the only two people who supported me in all ups and downs of my life. Parents are the real blessing, which God gives us as they stand by us in every walk of life.

Parents play an important and a precious role in every child’s life. Utilizing this opportunity, I would especially like to thank my mother because it is only a mother who sacrifices and goes through a painful journey to raise her child. Behind every successful person there is a mother who is always ready to sacrifice anything just to see her child happy. A mother is a goddess who goes through a lot of pain and sacrifices her own blood to give us birth.

We all goes through many ups and downs, the only people who stood and will stand by us are our parents. There are many relationships we have in our lives, but they are flimsy most of the times and there is only one relationship that remains till our last breath and that relationship is what we share with our parents. Parents are the only people who never step back at the time when we need them and they are always there for us does not matter how difficult the situation is. This is the only relation, which we could rely on.

The person who supported me and taught me about conquering difficult situations of my life is my father. He is the only man who always tried to raise a conqueror out of me rather than suppressing me. He always supports me in every way, whether it is a mental support or financial support. He is the only man, whom I can trust blindly in every single second of my life. He always acted as a shield when I needed protection from difficult situation in my life. Don’t you feel safe when you are with your parents as I do? I feel like I am covered with a shield and no fear of drowning could come near me.

Unfortunately, not many children have this blessing and may be they could explain the importance of parents much better than me. I cannot imagine my life without my parents and it seems like a worst nightmare to me which I never want to see. I am very glad and thankful to God that he gave me the blessing called parents and I will try to give every happiness and comfort that they had lost just to raise me and making my future bright.

On this note, I would like to end my speech and extend special thanks to our parents for coming here to grace the event!

Thank you Speech for Parents – 4

Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen!

Today our company has organized an event on account of “Parents Day” and as a manager it is my privilege to utilize this opportunity to say a few words for my parents. Actually, the words will fall short of its meaning when it comes to expressing our gratitude towards our parents as they are indeed the most precious blessing from God and cannot be replaced by any other relationship. They are the only two people who hold my hands whenever I need their support. They are reason, why I have been standing in front of you as a manager of this prosperous company.

I want to thank my mother for giving me my life and raising me by sacrificing her own happiness. We usually come to hear that there is a woman behind every successful person and yes, it is true because she is the mother. A mother is the most caring person we all have in our lives. Her sacrifices are infinite. She is the only person who goes through pain just for her child’s comfort. She always remains awake until I reach home. She is truly a goddess whose blessing always acts as a backbone for our lives. Without her support, it would be impossible for me to attain this position on which I am today. She deserves respect and equal credit for my success. There have been times when I faced complete emotional breakdown and a feeling of unrest due to the peer pressure of work; then she was the one who comforted me and brought peace to my mind through her optimistic attitude and kind words.

There are some points in life in which you need a hand which can help you getting out of your problems. My father is the only man who owns my trust and he never steps back when I need him the most. He is always there for my support. He prepared me for the difficulties that came in my life. He always acted as a strong support me which I can never forget. Right from academic years to my present job, he has always acted as an excellent guide. He provided me enough strength and positivity to raise my career to an outstanding height. He worked over time only to provide me with every comfort that I needed. They both kept awake at late nights to prepare me for exams and it’s not only my hard work but their utmost concern too that helped me accomplish my goals.

My parents are the actual reason for my success in my career and without them I would be nothing. It is completely unimaginable for me to think about a life without my parents but there are some children who do not have this blessing and are unaware of this love which we get from our parents. On seeing them, it feels very fortunate that I have a loving father and a caring mother. My only aim now is to provide my parents with the best of everything because they deserve the best after all such sacrifices they did for me.

On this note, I would like to conclude my speech. Thank you all for your patience and I wish you all a great day ahead!

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How a Gratitude Journal Can Help You Be a Better Parent

Thanksgiving is upon us, and is there a better time to talk about introducing more gratitude into your parenting? I’m talking about being more grateful in a mindful, committed, intentional way.

This post will show you how practicing gratitude can help you in many ways – mentally and physically – and what benefits the practice of gratitude has to offer you and your family. Then I will teach you some simple ways to practice gratitude in your everyday life – by yourself and with your kids. And stick around to the end, I have a nice surprise that will help you establish a gratitude practice.

First, let’s pause for a minute.

Take a deep, mindful breath.

Now, try to think when was the last time that you felt GRATEFUL. I mean really, REALLY grateful.

Imagine the situation. Try to remember every detail you can and especially reflect on how did it feel to be so grateful. Try to answer the following questions:

  • Who, or what, made you so grateful?
  • Where did you feel it in your body?
  • Was it a warm or cold feeling?
  • What did you want to do toward the person (or thing) you felt grateful for?
  • How good did it feel to be so grateful?

I hope that now, as you read these words and do this small experiential exercise, you can feel some of those emotions and sensations once more. I know that gratitude for me always feels like a warm, soothing fire in my belly. It makes me feel great and I have a need to hug the person for whom I’m grateful. Maybe you feel it like me and maybe you feel it some other way, and that’s fine.

What is gratitude anyway?

Basically, gratitude is a positive feeling that is a way of getting affirmation that there is something good in our lives.

Gratitude, like most emotions, is always felt towards something. It may be another person in our lives or even ourselves, but we can also feel grateful towards God, objects or situations. For example, you can feel grateful for having a warm bed and a nice blanket to keep you warm at night.

Gratitude allows us to notice and appreciate the value of the things and the people we have in our lives. And that’s a powerful emotion to have up our sleeve.

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Do I need a gratitude journal? Isn't it just a natural feeling?

When I talk about practicing gratitude, I’m talking about choosing, proactively, to find things to be grateful for in your lives. Now, some of you may probably think “Why should I practice  being grateful? Isn’t it just a feeling that I should feel on its own?”. And you would have been right to ask me that because it’s a natural emotion we've had since childhood.

However, there is merit in the practice of intentional gratitude. You see, as we lead our adult lives, we tend to numb some of the things that used to grab our attention as kids. We notice the big things but tend to put the smaller things aside and take many things for granted.

And this is especially true for us parents, who are busy handling our work-family balance, dealing with discipline issues and other stressors and keeping the house tidy etc. Starting an intentional practice of gratitude is a wonderful way to take a pause and notice the good things in our lives.

And don’t think it’s only about some hippie, lovey-dovey agenda. Practicing gratitude has been shown to nurture some cool benefits in several research studies, as I will show in the next section.

Before that, one more reason why I think you should practice gratitude as a parent is that it’s such a wonderful thing to teach your children. By modeling your gratitude practice for small as well as big things in your life, you teach your children how to nurture the same qualities in their own lives.

gratitude journal

So, what are the benefits of a gratitude journal?

Why bother practicing gratitude in an intentional, mindful way?

There have been several studies that looked at what happens to people who adopt a gratitude practice. There are several ways to practice gratitude, which I will teach you in the next section, but first – let’s see what the practice gave people.

Generally speaking, people who practiced being more grateful in their lives reported that they started to notice more positivity in their lives, as well as being more present.

Gratitude helped them feel more abundance in their lives, and especially more connection with other people. Being more grateful helped people be more forgiving in their own relationships, which helped them communicate better.

Becoming more mindful of the little things that are good in their lives also helped people to cope better with everyday obstacles, which is something that I’m sure us parents could really benefit from.

But what is really incredible is that practicing gratitude has real physical effects such as:

  • Sleeping better
  • Feeling more rested
  • Improved immunological function
  • Increased pain tolerance
  • Being more physically active

A recent study published in the scientific journal Emotion , showed that people who practiced gratitude tended to give more support to others and felt less mental distress.

And in  another study  from the journal Psychotherapy Research,  people who received psychotherapy were divided into two groups, one of which was instructed to do a daily gratitude practice. Those who did the practice reported better mental health than the rest of the participants in the study.

gratitude journal for parents

How to start a gratitude practice

Ok. So now that we talked about what gratitude is and why adopting the habit of practicing gratitude in an intentional, mindful matter is good for you, let’s talk about how you can do so.

The beautiful thing about gratitude is that it’s really, really easy to practice. As opposed to other practices such as mindfulness or loving/kindness meditations, gratitude doesn’t require you to do anything special, repeat mantras or breathe in certain ways. All you do need to do is to REMEMBER being grateful .

You see, we all have a tendency to remember the bad stuff that’s going on and focus on the negative. It’s called the fundamental negative bias. Gratitude practice is one way to battle this bias by diverting our attention, deliberately, towards positive things that happen to us.  So all the following practices are ways to remind you and establish a grateful mindset.

How to Create a Gratitude Journal

This is by far my favorite way to enhance my gratitude practice. A gratitude journal is just that – some kind of journal where you write what you are grateful for at the moment. And the beauty of it is that you can implement it in many cool ways that suit your style.

The most basic way to create a gratitude journal is to grab a notebook and dedicate it for that practice. You can use a fancy notebook to keep things more ceremonial and Pinterest-worthy if that’s your style, but every simple notebook will do the trick as long as you remember to use it. And for those of you who prefer to stay paperless and digital, any note-taking or documents app will do.

Creating your journal is so easy, there’s no reason not to do it right now. Because our focus is on parenting, we will practice gratitude towards our child and our parenting-selves. In your journal, write the following, leaving some blank space after each question:

At this moment, keeping an open mind and heart and without overthinking it, find three things – small or big – that you are grateful for:

In your child ______

In yourself as a parent ______

It’s really important that you be a specific as you can. Don’t just write “I’m grateful for my child”. Go for specificity, such as “I’m grateful for my child’s giving me a big hug right before he went to school”.

It’s as simple as that. If you have more than one child, please write one thing you are grateful for in each of them. And if you have a spouse and feel like it, add one thing you are grateful for about him or her.

If you are already using some kind of daily planner or journal, and you don’t have a gratitude habit, you can use your existing journal to write your gratitude thoughts. I know many people who use a Bullet Journal and write what they are grateful for every day. You can do so as well, but remember to focus on your parenting and your children. Usually, those will come to mind anyway, but I just want you to be mindful of that.

I suggest you try to write in your journal a little bit before you go to bed at night. Those are usually more quiet times and it has a nice feeling of summing up the day. But of course, you can do it whenever you feel it’s best for you. If you do use a physical journal, keep it on your nightstand so you’ll see it every night and remember to use it.

Journalling is not your thing? Try a Gratitude Jar

Another cool way to establish a gratitude practice as parents is by creating a gratitude jar. This is an awesome practice for the entire family, actually.

Take a nice jar, preferably one that you can easily see into. Now, everytime that you notice you are grateful for something in your child or in yourself as a parent, put a small amount of money in that jar. 10, 25 or 50 cents would do the trick.

This could easily be a family thing, where everybody puts some money whenever they have a gratitude-full experience. When the jar is full, take the money and donate it to a charity of choice. What a great way to nurture gratitude and pass it forward, right?

gratitude jar

Practice Gratitude with Your Kids

Whether you write in a gratitude journal or not, having gratitude conversations with your kids is such a fun way to put some more gratitude into your lives. I’ll tell you how we like to do it in our home, and you can do it however you like.

During our evening routine, after we read a bedtime story, we tell what we like to call “the daily story”, where we more or less recall with the kids how they day went. Then (when we remember), we each offer one or two good things that we are grateful for on that day. I love this little thing we do, and how it makes us feel a bit more connected in that moment.

Gratitude is an important emotion that we can foster in a mindful, deliberate way. Adding more gratitude into our lives is beneficial for our psychological well-being and also influences our physiological well-being, so it's a double win! And most importantly for us parents, being more grateful as an intentional habit can nurture more connectedness with our children and ourselves. By establishing a daily gratitude journal practice you can easily learn to notice the good in your life and develop a more positive mindset. And that – my friends – is something to strive for in a new year.

Thank you for reading, and tell me in the comments: what are you grateful for right now?

— Read more about Research-Backed Ways to Raise a Thankful Child

essay gratitude towards parents

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essay gratitude towards parents

You Will Never Be Able to Thank Your Mother Enough

On the inadequacy of each and every one of us.

There is a reason that a mother’s love, in its purest form, is visceral and even violent. This same reason explains the volatility of relationships with our mothers and why they often don’t make sense in logical terms. The reason is this: We are doomed by the nature of biological cycles to never be able to thank them enough for having facilitated our existence. For reasons I’ll explain, there exists a permanent deficit of appreciation toward our mothers.

Picture the moment you begin to grow in your mother’s womb. You have no speech to greet her although she’s probably talking to you already in whispers and in her thoughts. You are a kernel of futurity. You occupy her mind constantly, and many of her activities involve preparing for your arrival. She changes her diet, she reads about what’s best for you, she imagines what kind of person you’ll be. She watches the news and worries about bringing you here, to this death-drive civilization. People give her constant unsolicited advice and turn her into an alien yet holy allegory. You’ve changed her from a woman to a mother, which brings with it all kinds of unanticipated social consequences. She worries what you will do to her body. You are indifferent; you stretch it. Your presence changes the status of her relationship with her partner; something about you growing in between these two bodies alters the way they relate to one another.

Your arrival is marked by a tearing of flesh, something no one wants to think about. This physical pain will be an ellipsis in your mind when in your twenties you hastily scribble her a greeting card in the car outside her house on Mother’s Day. This is not what you think about when you respond with a couple of lines to her long, detailed, and grammatically meticulous emails. In the thoughts about your mother, you naturally omit the labor and blood of your own coming into being because you have no personal recollection of it and because it’s unpleasant to imagine. You cannot conceive of your conception nor of your birth. You cannot make the cognitive jump between the stretchmarks on her body and the very existence of your own. My own mother told me a joke once about a man who comes home to his pregnant wife sitting exhausted on the couch. He asks her, “What did you do today?” and she replies, “I made a lung.” This simple joke helped me realize an obvious fact that I’d never considered before: My mother grew me. Her body was the site and the circumstance of my being. Her bodily expenditures meant that I could live.

Were the resources she shared with me given or lent? The baby is in some sense a parasite that feeds off its host until it can live on its own. It can also be imagined as a plant or a pet or a project, a beautiful thing in which all energies and attentions are invested. This remarkable process of one person growing inside another like a matryoshka doll complicates our sovereignty as individuals. We know ourselves only as autonomous beings, but she knew us first as an extension of her own body. This smudging of the line between self and other must also contribute to the strange pulls and pushes of the mother-child relationship. A mother must wonder how something that sprang out of her own body could ever turn renegade.

So now you’ve made your entrance. You exist. But you cannot care for yourself. Your parents mobilize their energies and give you all the necessities for survival. For this reason, fatigue is a key feature of parenthood. As a miniature autocrat, your small will controls their world. You stink. You are cranky and needy, but they still bow to your authority. They would even kill on your behalf. Your mother’s body gives you food, warmth, and the sounds, smells, and textures of comfort. You still cannot say “thank you” yet. This continues for some time, but even when you finally acquire language, thanking your mother is probably not the first thing you do.

This first and constant postponement of gratitude is the principal cause of all motherly turbulence. To have a mother is to be in perpetual deficit of thanks toward her. This missing gratitude is a kind of high-interest loan that can never be paid back. She is asked by society to forgive this loan, to love you unconditionally because she chose to bring you here and because it’s her duty to give without taking. However, to be a mother is to be relentlessly, albeit often subconsciously, aware of this deficit and to try to balance the books over a lifetime in sometimes alarming and counterintuitive ways. Some mothers withhold their love; others triple or quintuple their love and attentions, if only to make the terms of repayment even more daunting. The belatedness and insufficiency of our gratitude could be one of the reasons that our interactions with her differ so greatly from our interactions with our father. Good fathers certainly sacrifice something of themselves in our early years, but their initial biological contribution to our existence was the most fun part of bringing baby into the world. They forego the nausea and epidurals.

Love is no accounting sheet, but somehow economic language (deficit, loan, repayment, interest, expenditure, investment) seems particularly well suited for describing the terms of our sentimental encounter with others. While what I’ve proposed here may sound like an economy of guilt, it is rather the plain recognition of a fact: We can never catch up in giving thanks, which shouldn’t produce feelings of guilt but rather a surrender to the permanent discrepancy that will separate us from our moms.

I am not a mother, but I have verified the truth of this assessment in every mother I’ve ever known, particularly those with children in their teens and older. Mother love tends toward maximalism and excess, with peaks and troughs and unpredictable, fearsome swerves. There are undoubtedly calm and even-keeled mothers around, but the default mother mode seems to be one of unruly fluctuation. What can account for this? The laziest way to deal with the phenomenon is to simply call them crazy, a statement that is commonly and casually blanketed on all women. This term has been called into question in recent years, and rightly so. Someone’s use of the label “crazy” has more to do with that person’s incapacity to understand the one they judge than with an actual psychosis. It is also irresponsible to attribute motherly tempestuousness solely to hormones in flux. Hormones undoubtedly play a role in the moods of the mother, but the deficit of thanks I’ve described could better explain the high degree of maternal intensity and volatility.

With awe, I watch my friends and colleagues who are mothers trudge through their daily lives with composure and terrifying competence. They do far more than is necessary in their professional and motherly lives. They take on tasks that no one else will, they aim beyond perfection, and they look great while doing it. They will be denounced as martyrs, visibly suffering and self-sacrificing so that others will have to notice their exertions and consent to sanctify them. One colleague in particular impresses me every day with her collegial spirit and her level of commitment to her teaching, research, and university service. I watch her with her son and see that she loves this boy with fury. She glides from faculty meeting to soccer practice to seminar to violin lesson with a kind of ethereal grace, all the while looking like a Greek goddess. How can we make sense of such a woman? How could years of gratitude from her colleagues, friends, partner, and child ever be enough? She is beyond our thanks.

Everyone’s mother is different and I suspect some examples of your own mother’s zeal have come to mind by now. My mom’s takes form as unrestrained giving. If you mention in passing that you like chocolate-covered cherries, you will receive several boxes of chocolate-covered cherries from her for every occasion for the rest of your days. As another example, she gave me a printer’s tray for my birthday, which I planned to fill with little souvenirs from places I visit in the future. I won’t have the chance: A month later, I got a box in the mail full of dozens of little trinkets she’d found somewhere. In one fell swoop, she filled my entire printer’s tray herself. She invents new family traditions every time I see her. She talks more and faster than anyone I know and laughs hysterically at things no one else finds funny. She is a talented florist and she insists on making the casket piece for any member of the family who should, unfortunately, require one. You look at these jaw-dropping masterpieces she’s spent hours creating by herself in the middle of the night, despite her mourning, and you know she has infused them with her soul. She works herself to exhaustion at family holidays so that everyone else can have a nice time even if the extra work puts her in a foul mood. She would die for her children without hesitation.

This essay is a roundabout way of thanking my own mother and acknowledging that I know any thanks I give her will always be belated and insufficient. I’ve noticed in recent years that the slightest gesture of gratitude on my part toward my mom is welcomed with an understandable insatiability. In my younger years, I mostly saw what displeased me in her and what didn’t correspond to my own values. However, over the past few years, all of her beautiful quirks, talents, sufferings, and sacrifices have become suddenly obvious, glaringly so. We will always be behind in thanking our own mothers. But thank them anyway, excessively, and thank every mother you know. While the deficit will never dwindle, we can join them as partners in excess.

Christy Wampole ‘s essay collection, The Other Serious, is forthcoming from Harper, in July, 2015.

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  • Showing Respect

How to Be Respectful of Your Parents

Last Updated: February 1, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Wits End Parenting . Wits End Parenting is a parent-coaching practice based in Berkeley, California specializing in strong-willed, “spirited” children with impulsivity, emotional volatility, difficulty “listening,” defiance, and aggression. Wits End Parenting's counselors incorporate positive discipline that is tailored to each child’s temperament while also providing long-term results, freeing parents from the need to continually re-invent their discipline strategies. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 354,116 times.

Sometimes it may seem like your parents don’t understand, and that can lead to a negative relationship with them. Despite that, it is important to remain respectful toward your parents. If you want to show your parents more respect, you can easily reevaluate your thoughts and actions towards your parents to ensure that you’re treating them with the kindness they deserve.

Changing Your Thoughts and Feelings About Your Parents

Step 1 Be grateful.

  • Tell them face-to-face. The easiest way to show gratitude is to thank them and tell them that you appreciate who they are and what they do.
  • Do something small but meaningful. For example, clean the kitchen after dinner or take the trash out without being asked. Parents will notice and appreciate your acts of kindness.
  • Compliment them on something they do well. For instance, tell your mom how great of a cook she is, or tell your dad how awesome he is at his job.

Step 2 Understand differing perspectives.

  • Ask your parents questions to learn more about them. Understand that your parents are from a different generation and a lot changes with time. Engaging them in conversation will help bridge the gap in order to understand each other better.
  • Keep a journal about your interactions with your parents. By re-reading a journal, you'll see things with more honesty instead of reinterpreting events in a way that benefits only you.
  • Talk to an unbiased party. Talking to someone who has nothing to gain can help you see things from others' perspectives, including that of your parents. Learning to see "where they are coming from" helps in building a mutually respectful relationship.

Step 3 Value their wisdom.

  • As an example, if you were to visit a doctor, you would want someone who had the experience and training to diagnose and treat your illness. The same is true for parents. Learning to see them as professionals at life will help you to develop a different level of respect for them.

Step 4 Remember how much they love you.

  • Recognize that when parents seem to be getting in your way, they are, but with good reason. Parents often act as a shield to protect their kids from anything they consider to be harmful.
  • Because parents love you they are concerned about your future success. When parents perceive your behavior as something that threatens to limit your potential achievement, it can often cause conflict in your relationship. Realize that it usually comes from a place of love.

Changing Your Behavior Towards Your Parents

Step 1 Follow rules.

  • Be clear about expectations. Know what your parents' rules are so you can avoid any confusion and avoid accidentally breaking rules.
  • Take a second to stop and think about the consequences. Think about what ripple effect your actions may have and how it will impact you and those around you. Ask yourself if it is really worth it.

Step 2 Practice good manners.

  • Say "please," and "thank you." Words are powerful and each of those words carries meaning. Aside from being polite, it shows a level of gratitude and appreciation which are both part of respecting your parents.
  • Watch your language. Be careful about the topics of conversations and your word choice around your parents. Parents always think of their children as their babies (regardless of how old they are). They would prefer to see them through a clean and pure lens.

Step 3 Spend time with them.

  • Tap into their interests. Take an interest in what your parents do in their spare time. Whether it's sports, dancing, music, or gardening, ask them questions and show them that you are taking an interest in them.
  • Make them a priority by choosing to spend time with them over your friends once in a while. They'll really appreciate the gesture.

Step 4 Show them affection.

  • Tell your parents you love them at random times and not just when expected or when you want something.
  • Give your parents random hugs or kisses just because. If they ask what the unexpected action was for tell them something like, "just because you're you."

Improving Communication With Your Parents

Step 1 Don't talk back.

  • Recognize the problem first. If you realize the problem and want to change it, you've already taken the biggest step. It takes maturity to understand the differing perspectives and reactions between kids and parents.
  • Apologize to your parents. Admit to your parents that you have disrespected them, and ask them for their assistance as you attempt to change your behavior.
  • Take a mental "time-out." The next time you are tempted to say something disrespectful, take a second to regroup before speaking from emotion alone. Take into consideration what your parents are saying, and where they are coming from. [7] X Research source

Step 2 Watch your body language.

  • Avoid crossing your arms. This shows that you are defensive and not open to communicating.
  • Watch your tone. Avoid being sarcastic or raising the tone of your voice. This shows that emotions are beginning to take over instead of logic. Try speaking in a calm and controlled manner instead.
  • Make eye contact. This shows that you are genuine in what you are saying and that you are interested in hearing what your parents have to say as well.

Step 3 Don't bring up the past.

  • Check for unresolved problems before beginning a conversation. If you know you're holding onto anger or pain, they can be a hindrance to effective communication. Clear up any unresolved issues (one at a time) before attempting to move forward.
  • At the beginning of your conversation, make an agreement with your parents that you will only focus on one issue at a time. If either of you seems to be straying from the topic, politely remind each other to stay on topic.

Step 4 Agree to disagree.

  • Write it out. Consider what point you're trying to get across to your parents, and write out reasons and examples that will support your argument.
  • Talk to them at a later time. Reschedule your discussion for a time when emotions aren't running high. Instead, choose a time when your parents aren't busy or stressed to sit down and calmly present your argument.
  • Use "I" statements to get your point across without being defensive. "I" statements consist of the behavior that is bothering you, how it makes you feel, and what needs to change. For example, instead of saying, "you never listen to me" you could replace the statement with "I feel as if I'm not being heard, and I would like my opinion to matter more."

Step 5 Engage in open conversation.

  • Trust them with your secrets. Of course, you won't feel comfortable telling your parents everything, but showing them that you trust them with a small secret will demonstrate your appreciation towards their wisdom.
  • Don't be afraid to show emotions. It's okay to show fear, anger, nervousness, joy or any other emotions with your parents. Allowing them into your life is just a small gesture to show them you care.

Expert Q&A

Wits End Parenting

  • Parents work hard every day to make sure you have both your needs and your wants met. They deserve your respect; even if you don't always get along, show them respect and tell them that you appreciate them. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
  • Buy them random gifts and treats, even if it's not a special occasion. A small box of chocolates, or a bottle of wine, can show just how much you care. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 4
  • Keep in mind that parents aren't perfect. They've made mistakes and will continue to make mistakes. Learn to love them unconditionally, just as they do towards you. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1

essay gratitude towards parents

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  • ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/gratitude
  • ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/family-conflict
  • ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/wisdom
  • ↑ Wits End Parenting. Parenting Specialists. Expert Interview. 5 March 2020.
  • ↑ http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/parenting/why-do-kids-talk-back
  • ↑ http://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-questions-and-answers/my-problem-is-that-i-talk-back-to-my-parents-i-want-to
  • ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/nonverbal-communication.htm
  • ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tips-disagree.html
  • ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/talk-to-parents.html

About This Article

Wits End Parenting

As a young adult, one of the best ways you can show respect for your parents is by being grateful. This includes things like saying please and thank you and following their rules and advice. For example, if your parents tell you that you can’t go to a party, you can show your respect for them by listening to them. Not only will that demonstrate to your parents that you respect them, but they'll also appreciate your maturity. For more advice from our Social Worker reviewer on how to respect your parents through better communication, keep scrolling! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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100+ Heartfelt Thank You Messages and Quotes For Parents

You don’t need a special occasion to say “ Thank You ” to your mother and father for what they did in their whole life for you. There is no way to know how many sacrifices your parents did to make your life better and what you are today. Acknowledge their limitless love and sacrifices. Do whatever it takes to make them smile.

You may use these thank you message to show your love and appreciation to your loving mom and dad. Do a text or post it on Facebook or Instagram or write lovely messages on a greeting card – do whatever to make them happy.

Thank You Messages For Parents

  • Thank You Parent From Son
  • Thank You Parents From Daughter

Thank You Quotes For Parents

Thank you parents on graduation.

  • Thank You For Birthday Wishes/Gift

Thank You Letter For Parents

Appreciation messages for parents.

I’m truly blessed to have such wonderful parents. Thank you mom and dad!

Everything I have and everything I am, I owe it all to you. Thank you, my two lifelines.

Dear mummy and papa, I am extremely thankful for everything you have done for me. I’m blessed to be your child!

I cannot repay you with anything for what you have done for me all this life. But still, I am trying to repay you by saying ‘Thank You’ for everything. Love and hugs to my parents.

thank you message for parents

My dear parents, you let go of your dreams and sacrificed a ton so that I can achieve mine. I cannot say enough thanks to you in this lifetime for your contribution to my life. Love you.

No amount of words will be enough to tell how grateful I am to you. Having parents like you is the biggest of all blessings! Thank you for all that you’ve done for me and all that you’re still doing.

I’m really fortunate to have parents like you. Love you, mom and dad. Thank you for everything.

Getting parents like you by my side makes me what I am today. Thank you so much for supporting me unconditionally.

I may not always say how much I love both of you but I can say I have a big place in my heart only for you two. Thank you!

God has blessed us in so many ways, but the biggest of them all is our parents. They deserve the best from us always. Thank you to all the parents in the world!

Thank you for helping me to shape my life. Without you, I’d never have been the person I am today. Thank you for everything!

Everything we are today and everything we may become tomorrow, is all for the sacrifices our parents made for us. A big thank you to all the moms and dads in the world.

No matter how bad things may become, I tell myself to stay strong because just seeing you happy at the end erases whatever misery I feel. Thank you, mom and dad, for loving me unconditionally.

thank you message to parents

Thank you is a very small phrase to convey my gratitude towards you but I am still using it to say how lucky I am to be raised by you.

The sacrifices you’ve made for me are beyond any description. Thank you, my beloveds. I hope to make you proud someday.

You’re not only great parents but also the greatest people I’ve ever known. Dear parents, thank you for all the love and support.

The love and care you’ve shown me is one of a kind. Thank you for every bit of it!

If people could choose their parents before birth, they’d all choose you because you are just awesome. Thank you for being my parent only!

I have a heart full of love for you two. You have raised me with all the love and kindness in the world. Thank you for being so nice and caring!

Thank you for not only being a parent to me but also being a teacher and mentor. You are the reason for all the successes in my life!

Being a parent is difficult, even more difficult is being a friend to your child. I’m lucky that you were both my parent and a friend! Thank you!

I didn’t have an awesome childhood because I had awesome friends. I had an awesome childhood because I had awesome parents. Thank you, mom and dad.

I wish everyone got parents like mine – supportive, understanding, and kind! Thank you for giving me the best life possible.

I don’t need a parent’s day to say I love both of you. Thank you for everything!

thank-you-note-to-parents-for-support

The most important thing I have learned from you two is how to love and build a family. Thank you, dear parents, for giving me the best lesson.

You two are a generation older than me but never let the generation gap come between our relationship ever. Thank you, my dear parents, for that.

Thank you my dearest parents for wiping my sorrow out of life in every possible way. You are the best.

Nothing that I say can ever truly convey how important you guys are in my life. So I just want to thank you two for being the most wonderful parents ever.

When I cannot find anyone besides me even then I am sure you guys will be my shadow during my hour of need. Thank you, mom and dad.

Related: 100+ Happy Parents Day Wishes and Quotes

Thank You Messages For Parent From Son

Thank you, Mom, for showing me how to be kind to everyone. Thank you, Dad, for showing me how to be strong in the bad times. I owe so much to both of you!

Everything that I learned in life, is from you two. You are the reason behind my successes and the inspiration behind my endeavors! Thank you!

Raising a son like me can be difficult if you are not extremely good at parenting. Thank you for being so patient and perfect. I love you both!

If we could live more than once in each of the lives, I’d want to be your son only. Thank you for being my home.

As long as you’re there to support me, I can win every difficulty. I’m so glad to be your son.

thank-you-message-for-parents-from-son

Thank you for being the perfect parents to an imperfect son. You’re simply the best parents on earth.

Because of you two, life seems so easy and full of happiness. Thank you for always keeping me in your prayers and always letting me chase my dreams whatever they may be.

My parents will always be my top priority because they had made their son their first priority always. Thank you, dear parents, for loving me so much.

You two have set so many parenting goals for me that now all I want to be the best parents like you to your grandchildren. Thank you so much ma and papa.

Thank you so much, mom and dad, for understanding me so well, for letting me choose my own dream. I always try to be a good son because you are the best parents ever. I love you two very much.

I feel proud every time I introduce myself as your son to others. Thank you for being such wonderful parents.

You’ve put your wants and needs on hold to help me achieve my goals, and now it’s up to me to make you happy. Thank you very much for all you’ve done, my beloved parents.

Thank You Notes for Parents From Daughter

You have always made me feel like I’m a princess in the house. Dear mom and dad, you are always in my heart. I love you! Thank you for everything!

I have always had you supporting me in all the good and bad times. Thank you for making me believe that I can do anything and everything in life.

Thank you, mom and dad, for always treating me as the best daughter in the world. You are the best parents in this universe for sure.

All I want to be in life is a good parent like you so that I can raise my daughter just the way you two have raised me. Thank you, mom and dad!

You two have filled up my world with so much happiness that a lifetime is not enough to enjoy it all. Thank you to both of you more for always making so many compromises to bring a little smiley face. Thank you for all the love you have given me!

Life becomes so easy and smooth when we have parents who understand us more than ourselves. Thank you for being the perfect kind of parent.

Thank you for always treating me like a princess. I’d be nothing without having you beside me.

Your little girl is everything I want to be and everything I will ever be. Thank you for this lovely life, mom and dad.

thank-you-message-for-parents-from-daughter

You are an example of how every parent should raise a daughter and I am so thankful and proud to be your daughter. Thank you, my dear oldies.

I wish I could pay my gratitude towards you but nothing is enough to say thanks to you. Love you two!

I feel very proud to be your daughter and nobody can take that away from me. Thank you for loving me to the moon and back dear parents.

I may not be able to see you every day, but please know that I will never forget everything you’ve done for me. Even if words of gratitude are never adequate, I appreciate all you have done for me.

Also Read: Thank You Messages and Quotes For Mom

Short Thank You Card Message For Parents

Mummy and papa, thank you for your constant support and faith in me.

I’m the luckiest person on earth to have been born in this family. Love you, mom and dad.

Dear Parents, words cannot express my gratitude to you. Thank you for all you’ve done.

Mom and dad, my dreams come true because of your unshakable trust. Thanks for supporting me.

I’m grateful for all the love and support you’ve given me. Thank you wholeheartedly!

Thank You Card for Mom and Dad

Through thick and thin, you hold my back to encourage. I’m blessed to be your child.

Thank you Mom and Dad for your selflessness and hard work for my bright future.

Thank you for being my friend first rather than parents.

I’m grateful to my amazing parents for teaching me to be a kind and generous person. Thank you.

Blessed to have your guidance and wisdom on the path of life, dear mom and dad. Your efforts are truly appreciated!

Mom and dad, you are the best parents anyone could ask for. Thank you for always prioritizing me.

“I may not have been the best child, but you two surely did the best job at raising me.”

“When the world closed its doors on me, you both opened your arms for me. When people shut their ears for me, you both opened your hearts for me. Thanks for always being there for me.”

“I know I can always count on you in the most difficult times. I love you very much and I will never stop being grateful to you for how good you have been and still are as parents to me.”

“Mom and dad, you’ve gone through a lot of struggle and pain. But I promise I won’t let all that go in vain. I want to do justice every time you believed in me. I will grow up to be the best I can be.”

“I always thought that my parents were continuously on my back but I was mistaken. They were not on my back, but they were watching my back. Thanks for your support mom and dad.”

“Thanks mom and dad for telling me to figure out life’s tough problems all by myself. That is what made me understand that they were not tough in the first place.”

“As a parent, the most important thing that you can ever teach your child is how to get along with you. As my parents, both of you have done just this and so much more. Thank you for your love.”

“I don’t always say this to you, but you mean the world to me. Thank you for being such great parents!”

“Mom and dad, I grew up surrounded in your love, comforted by your hugs and motivated by your lives… and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thanks for everything.”

Also Read: 100+ Thank You Dad Messages and Appreciation Quotes

Thank You Parents For Birthday Wishes and Gift

Thank you for wishes and gift! I want to thank you for bringing me to this world. My entire life is devoted to you.

Thank you mommy and papa for your touching birthday wish. Your warm words bring joy to my heart. Love you always!

Mom and dad, you’ve given me such an amazing birthday surprise! Thank you for loving me and making my day extra special.

Your love is the most special among all the gifts I received today. I appreciate everything you did to make my birthday memorable. I adore the two of you.

Thank you for the beautiful birthday gift. By seeing this, my friends will be jealous of me for having so sweet parents like you.

Thank You Parents On Birthday

You two are always first wishing me a happy birthday. Thanks, mom and dad, for being that much concerned about me still at my adult age.

You’re the reasons why I get to celebrate this birthday. Thank you for giving me life and making it so wonderful.

My birthdays should be less about me and more about you. The kindness you’ve shown towards me deserves every praise.

There isn’t much I want for my birthday this year. You gave me the most wonderful upbringing a person could ask for. I appreciate your well-wishes very much, Mom and Dad.

Although I may not have many friends, I was blessed with the finest parents a child could wish for. Thank you for all the wishes; I adore all of you.

I can’t even begin to count all the wishes I got today. You both are the reason behind my smile. You’re perfect in every way for me, and I want nothing more than to make you happy.

This graduation is the result of the efforts you’ve put into raising me. Thank you for making me who I am.

I owe you two my life and all the success, including this graduation. Thanks for everything, mom and dad.

Thank you dad and mom. Without your support, guidance, and love, I wouldn’t be standing among the graduates today.

Seeing my parents happy was the greatest present I could get on graduation day. Your everlasting love and devotion have shaped who I am today. Thank you for everything.

Thank-You-Message-for-Parents-on-Graduation

I could never have come this far without your constant guidance. Thank you for always being there for me.

In the past few years, I have developed a great insight into my creativity and encouragement to take risks and follow my heart only because of you. You two are such a blessing in my life; thank you!

I learned to be competitive in college, but my parents instilled in me the will to develop personally and professionally. You’ve made me proud, and I want to return the favor. Thank you, mom and dad, for all the support.

My four years of university life have come to a close today. Thank you so much for sharing my special day with me. Thank you for your support.

Even though I didn’t have the best opportunities since childhood, I had the most supportive parents who instilled optimism and a drive to succeed in me. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for everything you’ve sincerely done!

You have played a crucial role in shaping my identity and allowing me to reach this point in my life. Your support and affection have given me the confidence to try new things. Thank you, mom and dad.

Your love for me is so incredible that I want to improve myself as I become older until I reach my full potential. Thank you for being such wonderful parents, mom and dad.

thank you letter for parents

Dear parents, I love you both a lot and appreciate your effort and love in bringing me up to be a better individual. I am much lucky to have you both as my parents and thank God for giving me you.

Though the world is continually unforgiving, your compassion and empathy have always made me a better person than I was before. I count myself very fortunate to have you two on my side. Thank you, mom and dad; I love you a lot!

My parents have always pushed me to be the best version of myself, regardless of whether I was their son or daughter. I thank God daily for giving my parents a healthy outlook on life.

Thank you, dear parents, for opening your arms for me every time the world closed its doors on my face. Without you, I could have been lost in the dark alleys. I love you so much.

Of course, I’ll never know everything you’ve done for me since the day you brought me into the world, but I’ll always remember and cherish your countless acts of love and care, deserving my eternal gratitude.

I love you Mom and Dad because of your unconditional love and affection all the time. You both have always been caring and loving And stand by my side in my hour of need. Thank You!

You brought me to this world, provided for me, and supported me throughout my entire life. I’m forever indebted to you.

Mom and dad, you are not only my home but also my life. Your happiness means everything to me.

You’re my parents, my best friends, and my guiding angels. My only wish is to have you by my side forever.

My entire existence has happened because of you. I’m lucky to be part of you two, mom and dad.

I could always trust you with my life because you own it just as much as I do. Love you both.

People don’t get to choose their parents, and I’m happy that they don’t. You’re just so great; everybody would want you!

Thank You Dad and Mom Quotes

You’ve not only taken care of me physically, but you also took care of my soul. Thank you for nurturing me.

You two are the most valuable possessions in my life. Thank you for sticking with me throughout life and for giving me everything you could. Love you.

No matter how old I grow, I’ll always need you. Thank you for staying right by my side.

Lots of people give birth, but none can become as great parents as you are. Thank you for all your efforts.

Can there be a day when we don’t think about our parents and be grateful? What we are and have in life is entirely due to our parents. We will never know the full extent of our parents’ hardships to have a better life. While they don’t need much more than our affection, it never hurts to show them that we appreciate them every time. Only our mom and dad will always love us no matter what. Our parents have always been there for us and continue to provide for all of our whims and desires. It does not need to be expressed every day, but we can thank our mom and dad any day with some extra effort. Hope you get the ideas of what to write in a heartfelt thank you note or letter to parents and the way to write your own messages for your mom and dad.

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What Parents and Children Say When Talking about Children’s Gratitude: A Thematic Analysis

  • Original Paper
  • Published: 04 January 2022
  • Volume 31 , pages 1261–1275, ( 2022 )

Cite this article

  • Allegra J. Midgette   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7316-8133 1 ,
  • Jennifer L. Coffman   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6768-8573 2 &
  • Andrea M. Hussong   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8683-9832 1  

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Parent-child conversations are a widely recognized socializing mechanism, linked to children’s developing moral agency, empathy, and emotional competence. Similarly, parent-child conversations about gratitude have been linked to growth in children’s gratitude. However, the messages that parents and children exchange in conversations about children’s gratitude have yet to be investigated in depth. In the current study, we investigate the types of events that parents discuss with their children during times when they saw displays of children’s gratitude and events when the children missed the opportunity to display gratitude, along with the messages that parents and children share during these conversations. The study involved a thematic analysis of the gratitude conversations of 43 parent-child dyads (88% mothers, 77% European American, 51% boys, child M age  = 10.62, SD  = 1.15) living in the United States. Gratitude and missed opportunity events primarily involved situations in which the child had the opportunity to attend an event or to receive a material gift, food, or assistance. Three themes characterized parent and child messages. First, parents suggested that being happy was a sign of being grateful, a way to make others happy, and the goal of benefactors’ behavior. Second, parents suggested that children should focus on what they receive rather than on what they did not receive. Finally, children conveyed that they could not always be grateful, but that in several cases they were able to both feel and display their excitement and gratitude. In particular, children reported feeling grateful when they received something they thought was special or enjoyable, unique or unexpected, that they knew would make their parent happy or that they felt lucky to have since others did not have it. Together these findings suggest the importance of future research investigating how children and parents coordinate and prioritize the various elements of gratitude moments in deciding how to be grateful and to socialize children’s gratitude.

When talking about gratitude parents often note how the child’s gratitude affects them (e.g., makes them feel good).

Parents encourage children to notice and appreciate what they do have, even if the child does not like some aspect of a situation.

Children note that they cannot always be grateful.

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Data availability.

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Funding for this project was provided by the Expanding the Science and Practice of Gratitude Project run by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center in partnership with UC Davis and by the John Templeton Foundation for earlier waves of data collection. The writing of this manuscript was supported in part by a postdoctoral fellowship provided by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (T32-HD007376) to the first author through the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Allegra J. Midgette & Andrea M. Hussong

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All authors contributed to the study conception, design, and analysis. Writing of first draft: Allegra Midgette. All authors commented on and edited subsequent versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Midgette, A.J., Coffman, J.L. & Hussong, A.M. What Parents and Children Say When Talking about Children’s Gratitude: A Thematic Analysis. J Child Fam Stud 31 , 1261–1275 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02222-9

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Akebono, First Foreign-Born Sumo Grand Champion, Dies at 54

Born in Hawaii, he moved to Japan in 1988 and won 11 grand championships. His success drove a resurgence in the sport’s popularity.

A sumo wrestler leans to his right while standing on one leg.

By Victoria Kim ,  Hisako Ueno and Yan Zhuang

Taro Akebono, a Hawaii-born sumo wrestler who became the sport’s first foreign grand champion and helped to fuel a resurgence in its popularity in the 1990s, has died in Tokyo. He was 54.

He died of heart failure in early April while receiving care at a hospital, according to a statement from his family that was distributed by the United States military in Japan on Thursday.

When he became Japan’s 64th yokozuna, or grand champion sumo wrestler, in 1993, he was the first foreign-born wrestler to achieve the sport’s highest title in its 300-year modern history. He went on to win a total of 11 grand championships, and his success set the stage for an era during which foreign-born wrestlers dominated the top levels of Japan’s national sport .

Akebono, who was 6-foot-8 and 466 pounds when he was first named yokozuna at 23, towered over his Japanese opponents. Painfully shy outside the dohyo, as the sumo ring is known, he was known for using his height and reach to keep opponents at a distance.

Akebono’s rivalry with the Japanese brothers Takanohana and Wakanohana, both grand champions, was a major driver of sumo’s renewed popularity in the 1990s. During the opening ceremony for the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, Akebono demonstrated the sumo ring entrance ritual for an international audience, commanding the arena with his hulking physique and captivating stare.

Taro Akebono was born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan in Waimanalo, Hawaii, in 1969. He played basketball in high school and briefly at Hawaii Pacific University before moving to Japan in 1988 at the invitation of a fellow Hawaiian wrestler who had become a trainer.

Knowing nothing about Japan and speaking almost no Japanese, he began living and training at a sumo stable governed by strict hierarchy, cooking and cleaning for more experienced wrestlers. Soon he was charting a meteoric rise through the sport’s ranks, dominating with his size.

“We were just brute strength,” he said in a later interview , referring to himself and his fellow wrestlers from Hawaii in the 1990s. “We won fast or we lost fast. We weren’t too technical.”

In 1992, the Yokozuna Promotion Council, which decides which wrestlers are worthy of sumo’s top honor, denied it to another Hawaiian, saying that no foreigner could possess the dignity befitting the title. The decision prompted allegations of racism and raised questions about the council’s selection process. Only a handful of wrestlers hold the title at the same time, and they are selected through a vote from candidates who have won two consecutive tournaments.

A year later, just five years after arriving in Japan and joining the sport, Akebono broke through that barrier.

He later said in interviews that he rarely considered his nationality in the ring, thinking of himself as a sumo wrestler first and foremost. He became a naturalized Japanese citizen in 1996, and changed his name to Taro Akebono. His chosen sumo name, Akebono, means “dawn” in Japanese.

“I wasn’t thinking, ‘I’m an American, I’m going to go out there, plant my flag in the middle of the ring and take on the Japanese,’” he told The New York Times in 2013.

He gained acceptance and popularity in the sumo world in part because people in Japan appreciated his devotion to the sport, even though, in his early competitions, cheers from the crowd were far louder for his Japanese-born rivals.

“He makes me forget he is a foreigner because of his earnest attitude toward sumo,” Yoshihisa Shimoie, editor of Sumo magazine, said in 1993 . By the early 2000s, dozens of the ranked wrestlers were foreign , including Mongolians, a Georgian and an Argentine.

According to his family, Akebono is survived by his wife, Christine Rowan; a daughter, Caitlyn; and two sons, Cody and Connor.

In 2001, he retired from the sport at 31, citing chronic knee problems. He went on to train younger wrestlers, and he also competed in kickboxing, professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.

“I am retiring,” he said at the time, “with a feeling of great gratitude for being given the chance to become a yokozuna and experience something open to only very few people.”

Motoko Rich contributed reporting.

Victoria Kim is a reporter based in Seoul and focuses on breaking news coverage across the world. More about Victoria Kim

Hisako Ueno has been reporting on Japanese politics, business, gender, labor and culture for The Times since 2012. She previously worked for the Tokyo bureau of The Los Angeles Times from 1999 to 2009. More about Hisako Ueno

Yan Zhuang is a Times reporter in Seoul who covers breaking news. More about Yan Zhuang

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