6 Ways a gratitude mindset can help you be a better mom and wife

Some seasons in our lives are easier to feel an attitude of gratitude than others. When everything is going well, being thankful is straightforward. But living with a gratitude mindset all the time is more challenging.

Our natural tendency as humans is to be hard on ourselves and focus on the negative things more than the positive. So, we have to be intentional about being thankful.

Shifting our focus to what we’re thankful for is not only Biblical but also good for our mental health. And that helps us to be better moms and wives. We are more likely to have patience and grace.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

One important thing to notice in this verse is the word “in” instead of “for.” While we don’t have to be thankful for all circumstances, we can be grateful in them — and sometimes in spite of them.

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The benefits of gratitude for moms

Mom life is busy and, frankly, sometimes overwhelming. Adding one more task to our to-do list seems like too much. But making the effort to develop an attitude of gratitude can actually help.

In the past, I’ve struggled with mom anger, and I’d wager you have, too. Mom anger starts building in you when you do tasks no one notices or has a clue about.

Since that’s also pretty much the definition of motherhood as well, then mom anger easily runs rampant. Developing an ongoing gratitude mindset can help alleviate that anger. Because none of us wants to be an angry mom!

How can you develop an attitude of gratitude?

Figuring out how to maintain an attitude of gratitude in the fray of everyday life takes some intentional work, but it’s not as difficult as you might think and truly has positive effects on your wellbeing.

Any time God’s will is for us to do something, He doesn’t leave us hanging. He’ll provide ways for us to accomplish what He asks of us.

These six strategies will have you on your way to developing an attitude of gratitude, feeling better mentally and, as a result, being a better mother and wife.

(Be sure to check out the free printable gratitude worksheet as well!)

1. Be intentional about a gratitude mindset.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:17 (NIV)

Because we aren’t inclined to focus on what we’re thankful for, we have to find ways to really solidify that mindset and change our thinking. A great way to do this is by keeping a gratitude journal.

A gratitude journal can help you focus each day on what you’re thankful for. You can use a blank notebook and pencil, printable pages, your phone or gratitude journal prompts.

No matter what system you use, challenge yourself to come up three different things you’re thankful for each day. It may seem difficult at first, but soon you’ll find yourself constantly on the lookout for good things in your day.

Once you focus on what you’re thankful for, take time to thank God for those blessings — no matter how big or small.

And consider including your family in this as well. Pick a time — like over dinner or before bedtime — and ask everyone to share three things for which they are thankful each day. Then pray together and thank God.

Using printable gratitude worksheets can be a fun way to express gratitude. This free gratitude journal template is a printable PDF that will help you stay on track.

Free gratitude worksheets like this one are helpful to develop a daily practice of gratitude.

(If you’re looking for something more involved, check out this daily gratitude journal worksheet that also includes 60 daily Bible verses and Scripture cards.)

Encourage your children to get involved as well with their own free printable gratitude journal!

(Check out this listing on Etsy for gratitude prompts for kids with this journal and a second style as well.)

2. Get into the Word.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”

Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)

When we spend time reading the Word of God, we focus on Him. And when we focus on Him, we can more easily see the gifts He gives us.

Getting into the Word helps us draw closer to God. We understand who He is better. And we also better understand who He wants us to be, including as a mom and wife.

Serving our family and viewing motherhood as a ministry is easier when we understand more of God’s will. Reading your Bible is an important part of that.

Plus, there are so many Bible verses about gratitude that no matter where you’re reading in the Bible you’ll come across reminders to give thanks.

3. Listen to uplifting music.

“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

The power of music is strong. The music we listen to impacts our moods and our mindsets. Listening to your favorite Christian music will put you in the right mind frame to have an attitude of gratitude.

When you’re listening to worship music, being grumpy is downright difficult if not impossible. And if you’re listening to it often, then even when no music is playing, those are the songs going around in your head.

The content of worship music also keeps us focused on being grateful and on God. If you’re on Spotify, the Families with Grace playlist on Spotify has hours of contemporary Christian music.

You can also tune into your local Christian radio station or hit up YouTube. “Gratitude” from Brandon Lake is a recent powerful song to help you focus on gratitude.

4. Focus on the positive.

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Psalm 9:1 (NIV)

As you are changing to a daily gratitude practice, you need to continue focusing on the positive. This includes focusing on the positive in your family as well.

While we love our families and thank God for them, we can sometimes become complacent in noticing how awesome they really are. Take time to really notice the way your husband smiles at you when your eyes meet across the room or your children share a sweet treat without you saying a word.

Of course your family isn’t perfect. But they are one of our biggest blessings from God. Staying focused on the positive helps us to have a more grateful heart.

An added benefit of utilizing gratitude activities is that they can impact your children in various ways. As our children see us focusing on positive emotions, they will be more likely to do the same.

A fun way to help kids develop an attitude of gratitude is with a gratitude scavenger hunt. Some gratitude scavenger hunts are made for younger children, while others are made for older children and adults.

5. Lend a helping hand.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Helping others can definitely result in stronger feelings of gratitude in your own life. The times we struggle most with feeling grateful are usually the times we are consumed by the challenges and hardships in our own lives.

Getting outside of ourselves and giving to others helps us shift our focus off ourselves. And, yes, it can also remind us of all we have to be thankful for as we help those who don’t have the same blessings we do.

Some of the most grateful people you’ll ever meet are those who are in the midst of a battle and truly appreciate any kindness shown to them. And that gratitude rubs off on those helping them.

Involve your entire family whenever you can. Food pantries, for example, can be a great way to give back. Start with taking your kiddos along to buy food and donate to a local pantry. It will blossom from there and your whole family will feel more grateful.

6. Ask God to help you have an attitude of gratitude.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Thankfulness and gratitude come up so often in the Bible, that we can assume God knows how hard those feelings are for us to have on our own. He knew we’d need reminders.

As a result, He also will help us. It’s OK to ask Him for help being grateful. During some dark times in my life, my prayer has literally been, “God, help me to see you and your goodness.”

Through a long season of waiting, I learned to just thank God for closing doors not meant for me. That prayer started out not being so sincere, but very soon I did feel grateful He kept me where He wanted me to be.

God is faithful to answer prayers. Ask Him for help in being more grateful.

The impact of gratitude in daily lives

No matter your season of life right now, you can intentionally cultivate and develop an attitude of gratitude. That gratitude mindset will draw you closer to God and help you be a better mom and wife.

Gratitude is a powerful tool that can cultivate spiritual and personal growth.