Why is it important to teach your children gratitude?

Katie discusses research findings from Robert Emmons, the leading expert on gratitude. (Article is linked below).

The benefits of gratitude found in his studies are discussed within the episode.

How can we practice and teach gratitude to our children of any age?

1. We need to model living with gratitude. Katie share what that looks like
2. Utilizing gratitude journals
3. Asking yourself and your children: What is one good thing that happened to me today? What is one thing that you had today that someone else doesn't have?
4. How can you work this practice into your busy schedules? Katie discusses times of the day or parts of your daily routine where this practice of gratitude may fit in
5. Don't try to force your children to come up with ideas, you may need to prompt them or even give them ideas of what they could be grateful for (and that's ok!). In time, they will start to think of their own ideas- it takes practice.
6. Give it time- gratitude does not happen over night

Gratitude helps children realize that there is always goodness in the world despite what they are going through. It will help them during stressful times in their lives. Remember the benefits that it has, we need to work at it now so that it helps children to learn that mindset throughout their lives.

Gratitude takes intention, time, and consistency.

The article on Robert Emmons research can be found here:

Emmons, R., (2010). Why Gratitude is Good. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_gratitude_is_good

Welcome to the very first episode of Raise Them With Wisdom with host Katie Begley, a seasoned early childhood educator with a passion for supporting parents through the ever-changing landscape of raising children. In this warm and encouraging debut, Katie shares her personal “why” behind the podcast and opens up about one of the most powerful yet misunderstood tools in parenting: asking for help. From recognizing signs that it’s time to seek support to understanding the roles of educators, doctors, and gut instinct—this episode offers validation, guidance, and practical steps for parents navigating overwhelm, uncertainty, or developmental concerns.

This podcast is here to remind you that you don’t have to do it all, and you definitely don’t have to do it alone.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to the show and the mission behind the podcast

01:00 – Meet your host, Katie Begley: early childhood educator & parent advocate

02:00 – Debunking the stigma around asking for help

03:15 – What “it takes a village” really means

04:00 – Where to seek support: from family to professionals

05:00 – The underutilized role of early childhood educators

06:15 – Who you can turn to first when you're unsure

07:00 – Six signs it’s time to ask for help

07:15 – #1: When you or your child feel overwhelmed or anxious

08:00 – #2: When you notice behaviour or mood changes

08:30 – #3: When developmental milestones seem delayed

09:30 – #4: When behaviours impact daily home life

10:00 – #5: When teachers or educators voice concerns

10:45 – #6: When you simply don’t know what to do

11:30 – Normalizing the parenting struggle

12:00 – The power of being intentional, not perfect

12:30 – What to expect from future episodes and how to support the show

Notable Quotes

“Parenting is difficult for everyone. Some may hide it better than others, but trust me—every parent struggles with something.”

“It takes a village to raise a child. That doesn't mean you aren't the leader—it means you don’t have to do it all alone.”

“Asking for help doesn’t make you a bad parent. It shows you care enough to try your best.”

“There’s no shame in saying: ‘I don’t know what to do.’ That moment can be the start of finding real support.”

Resources & Takeaways

Who You Can Ask for Help:

• Your child’s early childhood educator or teacher
• Your family doctor or pediatrician
• Trusted family and friends
• Community supports and parenting resources

Signs It’s Time to Reach Out:

1. Ongoing anxiety or overwhelm (you or your child)
2. Noticeable behaviour or mood changes
3. Delays in developmental milestones
4. Behavior affecting home life
5. Educator or teacher concerns
6. Feeling stuck without a clear next step

Core Takeaway:

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but it can come with a community. Seeking help is not a weakness—it’s a parenting strength.

Podcast Disclaimer:

The information shared on this podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider or mental health professional with any questions you may have regarding your well-being or your child’s.The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or the community. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use the information provided as a substitute for...