We can model gratitude in both big and small ways. The best thing to teach gratitude is to be a truly grateful person. This requires us to consistently focus on what is good around us. There are days (or weeks or months) this can be a challenge. However, research shows gratitude to be a significant factor in overall life satisfaction and lowers symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you're already a powerful appreciator, how does that impact your parenting? If this is an area of growth for you, you might try a daily gratitude practice (diary, write thank you notes etc.). Parenting is a great way for us to be motivated to become people we really like and respect.

I rarely complain, that's not the one that gets me. I compare at times, but infrequently. However, I do catch myself criticizing myself and others. Criticism can and does steal my joy. I'm now on guard to squash such thoughts and protect my joy.