We still try to eat dinner together as a family as often as we can. Some weeks, it’s easier than others. Schedules fill up fast, and life pulls us in different directions. But we keep coming back to the table—without the TV on, without phones, just food and conversation.
Years ago, I read The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor and had the chance to hear him speak. His message stuck with me, especially one concept that has deeply shaped our family rhythm: the power of expressing gratitude.
So we started a simple practice. At the beginning of dinner, we ask:
“What are you grateful for today?”
At first, I wasn’t sure how it would land with the kids. But now? I don’t even have to prompt them. My girls take the lead—eager to share and quick to remind me if I forget. It’s become one of our most consistent and meaningful rituals.
Over time, it’s grown beyond our table. We ask the same question when friends join us. We’ve even done it out at restaurants. And something beautiful happens every time: everyone wants to answer. Even kids who’ve never done it before light up when asked what made their day better.
The answers? They’re everything.
Sometimes they’re heartfelt. Sometimes they’re hilarious. Sometimes they’re unexpected. But they always shift the energy in the room.
And on hard days—the kind where gratitude feels harder to access—this practice matters even more. Naming just one thing shifts the lens, even slightly. It’s a reminder that something good still happened. That joy can be found, even in the middle of the mess.
This little habit gives us two powerful things:
Optimism—because we start to scan our days for the good, knowing we’ll share it later.
Perspective—because it invites us to pause and acknowledge what matters most, instead of letting the noise of the day take over.
It’s also a reminder for our kids—and for us—that gratitude is a practice, not a performance. That even on ordinary days, there’s always something to be thankful for.
So if you’re looking for one small, powerful way to bring more presence to your home, start here.
One question.
One moment.
One beautiful opportunity to connect.
What are you grateful for today?
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