Nov 19, 2012 by Yolanda Fontanez-Coleman | Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. This is NOT a Hallmark holiday in fact it is a holiday based on giving thanks. What a great time to teach our children ways of showing Gratitude and Giving. I have put together some simple ways to teach your children of any age the art of giving. You can turn one of these activities into a family tradition during the holidays.
Ways of Showing Gratitude to Others:
Just say, “thank you”. It sounds simple but it can be easily forgotten. As the parent you should model by saying, “thank you” on a daily basis. The more you say ,”thank you” the more your children will say it too.
Write a note of thanks. A nice idea to begin in your family may be for everyone in your family to write a letter of thanks to someone in your family. It can be a very simple but a powerful way of showing your gratitude.
Ways of Giving to Others:
You can have your children bake some treats for a family member or friend that needs some joy in their lives. They will enjoy their time baking while learning that giving is also fun too.
Read and share. This is fun. Have your child put a pile a books aside that they have already read and have them donate their used books to a local library or church or other organization.
You and your child can pick an organization he or she is passionate about. For example perhaps your child loves animals. They can donate money to the local SPCA.
During the holidays you and your child can buy a toy and donate it to local organizations such as Toys For Tots.
You and your child can select an organization or activity where you would like to volunteer. It may be a local soup kitchen or nursing home.
I hope these tips bring more gratitude and giving in your lives during the holidays!