We are in the season of giving thanks. Of course, I think this should be a year-round sentiment—I’m sure we all do. But when it’s at the forefront of everyone’s minds, how can we help our families be thankful and show gratitude for our everyday blessings.
I like the idea of the family sitting around at dinner (or breakfast or anytime you can make it work) and coming up with one thing each person was thankful for that day. It could be as simple as packing your favorite snack for lunch or getting the best seat on the bus, doing well on a test, or finally mastering a two-wheel bike.
Whatever it may be, teach your kids to be thankful and present in the moment for things both great and small.
Volunteering together as a family is another positive way to help kids understand thankfulness and gratitude. Perhaps your school is hosting a food drive or turkey trot. Maybe the local pet shelter needs volunteers. The earlier you introduce acts of service to your kids, the more apt they are to see that not everyone may have as much as they do, and they might start appreciating things even more. Families can even host a lemonade stand (or hot chocolate?) and give the proceeds to a charity that everyone can help research and choose together.
A gratitude jar is another fun idea for the family. Set aside a day each week to write down one or some things each person is thankful for. Fold up the papers and fill up the jar. By the end of the year, the jar will be full of positive sentiments that your family can read aloud and feel happy and proud that so many good things happened that year.
