Teens & College Student— Gratitude & Thankfulness

How Teens & College Students Can Appreciate Their Parents (In Real, Honest Ways)

Gratitude doesn’t have to be a big speech or a long letter. For teens and young adults, it often looks like small, meaningful actions — the things that say “I notice you” without being cringey or dramatic.

Here are ways teens and college students can show appreciation:

1. A simple “Thank you for ____” goes further than you think.

Teens often worry they’ll sound awkward — but parents remember these small moments for years.

Examples:

• “Thanks for helping me with my application.”

• “Thank you for picking me up yesterday.”

• “I appreciate how you always check on me.”

2. A quiet moment of respect shows maturity.

Try:

• Putting your phone down when they’re talking

• Helping without being asked

• Saying “I got it” when they look stressed

Teens underestimate how much this softens a parent’s day.

3. Give appreciation in THEIR love language.

Parents have love languages, too.

Ideas:

• Words: Send them a short text of thanks

• Acts of service: Clean something without being asked

• Quality time: Sit and watch a show with them

• Gifts: Bring home a snack they love

• Touch: If comfortable — a hug

4. Share something good that happened.

Parents love being let into your world. Gratitude can be connection, not performance.

5. Name the effort they put in.

Even if things aren’t perfect. Even if you disagree sometimes.

“Thanks for always trying.”

“Thanks for supporting me.”

It means more than teens realize.