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Practicing gratitude regularly can change the brain's structure to boost happiness.
By Kayse Mcgovern MSN, APRN March 7, 2022
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Mental health matters. For everyone. And when it comes to mental health, prevention is imperative. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recognized that conditions like anxiety and depression are prevalent and frighteningly under-recognized in kids and adolescents—and on the rise. 
But here’s the good news. There are relatively simple, science-backed tools that parents can implement at home to help kids and teens thrive on an emotional and social level, and helping them incorporate a daily gratitude practice is near the top of the list. 
As parents, we know we should be thankful. But who knew that practicing gratitude could actually change the brain’s structure to make us healthier and happier? Now imagine if parents everywhere taught their teens mindful gratitude techniques. Imagine what the trajectory of their lives could look like if they learned these practices early.  
Gratitude practices aren’t complicated. They don’t require a professional to implement. They just require us to start. To think of what we have. To slowly, gradually, thoughtfully shift perspectives. 
Dr. Kerwin suggests that, first and foremost, it’s really helpful for parents to model gratitude by sharing what they’re grateful for about their children. Sounds simple. Seems straightforward. But so often moments of praise and expressions of thanks are overlooked as we move through our busy days and evenings, then collapse into bed at night. 
Other simple tools to help your teen practice mental wellness: 
Mindfully, intentionally shifting one’s thoughts toward gratitude and working toward a generally grateful disposition is scientifically proven to improve your quality of life. Parents and teens alike can benefit enormously by working together toward that goal. For your children’s mental health and for your own, take simple, intentional steps every day to be thankful, and in time reap the benefit of having a mind that naturally focuses on the good in life, on the joyful aspects of situations, on the things we have rather than the things we don’t. 
Lauren Kerwin, Ph.D, is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience treating an extensive variety of mental health diagnoses in youth and young adults. Currently practicing in California, her experience and education spans both coasts of the United States, having begun her training at the renowned McLean Hospital as well as Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Kerwin’s current practice focuses on Dialectical Behavior Therapy, with mindfulness being one of the method’s core pillars, in support of youth and young adults with complex diagnostic presentations, including but not limited to suicidality, self-harm, severe anxiety, and depression.
mindful parenting, child development, Health
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