In a world filled with uncertainties, it's easy to imagine losing everything in the blink of an eye. Many people adopt a gratitude practice as protection from loss. This can cause people to become fearful about change, but in reality a true gratitude practice goes beyond the notion of preserving everything as it is. It's about cultivating a flexible mindset, holding space, and clarifying intentions. In this short essay, we'll explore the transformative power of gratitude and how it can enhance your overall parenting experience.

At the heart of a gratitude practice is attention and intention. It’s no secret that what we focus our attention on is what will grow. Consider the phrase ‘enjoy every moment, they grow up so fast’. Despite the innocent intent, this remark is single handedly responsible for most ambivalence experienced by parents. Practicing gratitude won’t prevent children from growing up, but it can be a valuable tool that invites us to intentionally shift our perspective from losing our children to discovering new ways of being with our children. Thereby amplifying the aspects of parenting that bring attunement, well-being, and satisfaction.

Gratitude starts with intention. Start by deciding what you want, for the best results your intention should be specific and actionable. The next step is to clarify your intentions, reminding yourself of why you want to practice gratitude and your desired outcome. Then decide on a gratitude practice. You could choose to write in a journal, repeat a mantra to expressing gratitude verbally, or create a gratitude jar. Finally make your gratitude practice a regular habit by devoting a space and a specific time each day for reflection.

Gratitude, when used to reflect on your values, evaluate your priorities, and to practice self-regulation, becomes a powerful coping skill. It empowers parents to embrace changes, stay present during their own evolution, and persevere through parenting challenges. Over time practicing gratitude can rewire your brain to not being anxious about a future without young children.