Teen Milestone: Expressing Gratitude

As parents, we often count our blessings. Our teens are just learning to count them. Hearing a child express genuine gratitude is worth savoring — especially when it comes in the form of recognition for the work you do to support the family and household. Your teen shows heartfelt appreciation. Maybe that’s followed by clearing the dishes unprompted, offering to babysit a sibling without pay, or making the bed regularly. (Other ways of expressing appreciation!) Showing gratitude is linked to building resilience, decreasing stress, and allowing teens to develop a sense of how they matter in the world. It’s a win-win for all.

Discover more teen milestones.