In this episode of Lessons for Life with Gramma Kate, I share the one simple SEL skill that completely transformed how I parent and grandparent — and why I wish I’d started sooner. For years, I thought “being thankful” was enough, but I’ve since discovered the deeper power of genuine gratitude.

I’ll tell you how one slight daily shift helped me stop carrying stress like a heavy backpack, changed the way my kids and grandkids handle frustration, and even rewired how my brain processes hard days. You’ll hear a funny (and messy!) story about a dog, a downpour, and a trip to three different stores that showed me firsthand how gratitude changes everything.

Whether you’re in the middle of daily power struggles, tired of yelling, or want to feel calmer and more connected as a parent, this episode gives you practical, 30-second ways to model gratitude that your kids will carry for life.

✅ Model the Pause — When chaos hits, show your kids what it looks like to stop, breathe, and find something good in the moment.

✅ Make Gratitude Specific & Verbal — Don’t just think it. Say it out loud: “I’m thankful for this time together” or “I love hearing you laugh.”

✅ Start Micro-Small — 30 seconds at bedtime, one comment at dinner, or a quick share at drop-off is enough to plant lifelong skills.

✅ Bonus Insight — Practicing gratitude consistently doesn’t just make you feel better. It rewires your brain to handle stress more calmly — and that ripple effect shapes your kids’ resilience for life.

🔹 Click for From Overwhelmed to Empowered - How to Set Boundaries – Learn how to set and enforce boundaries confidently!
🔹 Follow me on YouTube for More Episodes
🔹 Subscribe & Leave a Review! Your support helps more people find this content.

📕Finding Lily’s Inner Magic: A Tale of Building Confidence

📕Lily’s Journey to Forgiveness: Letting Go of Hurt and Anger

📕Finding Jack’s Magic Within: A Lesson About Kindness

📕Consistency is Key: Self-Care Tips with Lily & Zach

📕Making the Team: Jack’s Missed Goal

📕I Believe You: Self-Care When Your Parent Struggles Emotionally

📕Living With Grandma and Grandpa: Jack and Alice’s Challenges

Instagram

Facebook

DISCLAIMER

The Lessons For Life With Gramma Kate Podcast and content posted by Cathy Barker are presented solely for general information, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified healthcare professional, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have. They should consult their healthcare professional for any such conditions.