Parenting Perspective 

The practice of gratitude becomes truly powerful when it is not just reserved for special moments, but is woven naturally into the fabric of daily life. For children, this shift occurs when their parents help ‘Alhamdulillah’ to become more than just a polite phrase, by embedding it into family rhythms, modelling it with sincerity, and linking it to both small and large blessings. A consistent habit of gratitude helps to build resilience, prevent a sense of entitlement, and nurture a feeling of warmth in the home. This is achieved less through long lectures and more through small, consistent reminders that help to turn gratitude into second nature. 

Make Gratitude a Visible Part of Everyday Moments 

Try to say ‘Alhamdulillah’ not just after meals, but also when enjoying a cool breeze, hearing your children’s laughter, or receiving a small kindness from someone. When your children see you noticing and appreciating the countless small blessings all around you, they will naturally learn to do the same. 

Anchor Gratitude to Your Family Rituals 

You can attach the practice of saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ to predictable times in your day, such as after each prayer, at bedtime, or during your family meals. These regular anchors help to ensure that gratitude is practised every day, not just on the occasions when something extraordinary happens. 

Encourage Gratitude in Their Own Simple Language 

Invite your children to express their thanks for the things that matter to them. Encouraging them to say, ‘Alhamdulillah for my colouring pencils,’ or, ‘Alhamdulillah that I got to play with my friend today,’ shows them that gratitude can and should cover all aspects of their life. 

Celebrate Their Spontaneous Gratitude 

When you hear your child say ‘Alhamdulillah’ without being prompted, it is important to respond with warmth. A simple, encouraging comment like, ‘It makes Allah so happy when you say that,’ helps to keep the practice of gratitude feeling alive and joyful. 

Model Gratitude Even in Times of Hardship 

You can teach your children a powerful lesson in resilience by modelling gratitude even on difficult days. Saying aloud, ‘Alhamdulillah, today was a bit difficult, but Allah gave us the patience to get through it,’ shows them that thankfulness is not just for times of ease, but is also a source of strength in times of trial. 

With these steps, gratitude can become a natural rhythm in your home, shaping the way your children think, speak, and live, until the phrase ‘Alhamdulillah’ flows from their hearts without any need for prompting. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quran on the Connection Between Remembrance and Gratitude 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verses 152: 

‘Thus, as you remember Me (Allah Almighty) I will remember you; and be grateful to Me (for my favours) and do not be extremist in disbelief.’ 

This verse beautifully connects the act of remembrance with the act of gratitude, showing us that both are meant to be a constant presence in our lives, not just an occasional thought. Teaching this helps our children to see that gratitude is a daily expression of our love for Allah. 

Prophetic Guidance on Thanking for Small Things 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, Hadith 218, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He who does not thank for small things will not thank for big things.’ 

This hadith reminds us that the habit of gratitude is a muscle that grows stronger through consistent practice, even with the smallest of blessings. By encouraging our children to be thankful every day, we are helping them to move from gratitude as an occasional gesture to gratitude as a deep-rooted habit. This is a quality that will soften their hearts, please Allah, and strengthen their faith through every stage of their lives.