Thanksgiving is an ideal time to focus on gratitude. If you are anything like us - we could always use some extra pointers on how to talk to our kids about non-tangible things. November is the perfect time to discuss why we celebrate Thanksgiving and the importance of being able to feel grateful for what we have, the people in our lives and so much more. Here are activities that can help instill a sense of thankfulness in children:
1. Gratitude Journals: Encourage kids to write or draw something they are thankful for each day in November. This helps develop writing skills and self-reflection. We love to use this time if the mornings are quiet and we have some time to relax before walking to school. Then we use our time at dinner to share what are photos or drawings are that we thought about today.
2. Thank-You Notes: Have kids write thank-you notes to family members or friends. This teaches kindness and the importance of expressing appreciation. My kids also love to use this app, Touch Note. It is a great and simple way to send “thank you” notes. You can take a photo of your child with the gift and then write a cute thank you from your child - they even in have the option to use a child-like font that I think is super adorable. This saves me SO much time and is an easy way to get a postcard in the mai without even having to leave your couch the moment your child opens the gift - think Christmas morning.
3. Volunteer Together: Spend a day volunteering at a local charity. This fosters compassion and empathy, helping children understand the value of helping others. Sometimes a charity may not allow children under a certain age to participate in the actual volunteer piece but some great ways to have your children help are as follows:
- Choose some clothes that don’t fit anymore that they can donate to a charity.
- Choose some stuffed animals that they may have outgrown so another child has a stuffy to love on this holiday season.
- Choose some winter items like hats and coats and gloves that either don’t fit anymore or that you can purchase in a store together to donate.
- Select some canned goods at home or in the grocery store that people may be in need of this holiday season - think canned pumpkin, green beans, canned corn, etc. Items to help someone have the opportunity to have a Thanksgiving if they are less fortunate this holiday season.
- Is there a charity that needs a lawn raked? This can be a great activity for the whole family.
Notes: Always be in contact with a charity to learn more about what they may be in search of in terms of assistance this holiday season. Don’t just go drop off 80 cans of pumpkin somewhere if that truly is not a need. Do your research to ensure your impact is the best it can be - for both you and the beneficiaries.