Teaching The Art of Thanksgiving to Children

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, we turn our hearts and attitudes towards being thankful. Thankfulness is not our natural state and must be remembered as adults and taught to our children.

 

How do we teach our young ones about the art of being grateful?

 

How to Teach Children to be Thankful

 

Parents know that children are sponges that will soak up our words, attitudes, and actions. If we read, they will read. If parents are smart with money, children will pick up those healthy habits as well.

 

The same holds true for teaching the art of thanksgiving. Parents and guardians must be a role model above all.

 

These are a few tips for developing this crucial life skill to the next generation:

 

• Reinforce the idea that Thanksgiving is a lifestyle and not simply a holiday.
• Saying thank you- What was once a common practice for children is often overlooked or seen as old fashioned. Simply teaching children to say ‘thank you’ for services rendered or gifts given will develop the thankful muscles.
• Help your child make a list of the people, places, and things they are thankful for. Have your child write a letter to someone thanking them for something on this list.
• Reinforce and applaud times when your child is practicing thankfulness.
• Introduce your child to those who are less fortunate. A morning helping at the local soup kitchen or food pantry speak volumes about how fortunate your family is.
• Including your child in giving to others will also teach gratefulness. An excellent option is to pack a box through Samaritan’s Purse. You’ll even be able to track the box and receive an email about that country.

 

Helpful Resources on Teaching Kids to be Thankful

 

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