Friday Fieldwork: End the Day With Gratitude

The simplest bedtime reset isn’t melatonin, it’s thankfulness

This week’s Fieldwork comes out of a reflection I wrote about ending the day (even through the aftermath of Taco Tuesday) with gratitude instead of urgency. You can read the full story here.

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Bedtime doesn’t always look like a sweet family moment.
Sometimes it’s toothpaste wars.
Sometimes it’s fart fumigation.
Sometimes it’s full-on wrestling until tears, threats, or dad overreactions shut it down.

Peace at bedtime can feel impossible. But it doesn’t have to be.

This Week’s Fieldwork: The Gratitude Round
Here’s your reset for this week:

1. Set the rule.
   Before the lights go out, each person names one thing they’re grateful for from the day.

2. Keep it simple.
   Pizza, laughter, a funny joke. It doesn’t have to be big, small counts.

3. Let it grow.
   Over time, those small gratitudes can shift into prayers or deeper reflections. Don’t force it. Just notice it.

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Why It Works
Psychologists call it the “gratitude effect.” Thankfulness lowers stress hormones, rewires thought patterns, and nudges the brain toward calm.

Scripture says it guards our hearts with peace that transcends understanding.

And in the real world?

Gratitude softens the edges of sibling wars,

lowers the volume of bedtime battles,

and helps everyone (including dad) fall asleep lighter.

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Closing Reminder