6 Ways to Help Teach Kids to be Thankful + Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
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This November, we’re going to be taking the time to really reflect on everything that we are thankful for, and I can’t wait to share with you all the fun things we have planned! This week, we’re beginning with our Thanksgiving themed extravaganza by giving you 5 ways to teach kids to be thankful and a FREE Thanksgiving Activities for Kids Packet.
I hate Halloween, the only thing good about it is the half-off candy afterward. Am I the only one that’s thankful when it’s over? But I do love that you wake up the next day and it’s November, which means all good things are coming – Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas, New Years – now those are good holidays!
Let’s just be honest, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can completely overwhelm us. It’s so easy to forget about the reason for the season and all the things that really matter during this time. One of the hardest things to do is remember why we’re celebrating when you’re so exhausted from all the running.
Thanksgiving is one of the greatest times of the year and the best time in how to teach kids thankfulness. Besides the amazing food, it’s such a wonderful time to be reminded of all the things that we can be thankful for and all of our many blessings. Take this amazing opportunity to show your children what it means to be thankful!
5 Ways to Teach Kids to be Thankful
1. Lookup the word ‘thankful’ and it’s synonyms.
Write each meaning or practice using them in your daily life. Add these new words into your homeschool curriculum and challenge your children to use them throughout the month of November. Watch good habits form from repetition!
2. Make a list of all the things that you’re thankful for.
If you’re looking for a helpful outline, print out a copy of our free 50 Things I’m Thankful For list. Read it to your children, tell them why you’re thankful for each and every one. Encourage them to think of all the things that they are thankful for and make their own list! This is a great in how to teach kids thankfulness.
3. You are blessed; take time to bless someone else.
Whether you’re healthy or wealthy, maybe you have a big family, or you’re growing your family, do something special for someone you or your child is thankful for. (Cook a meal or deliver a dessert to your grandparents, send a “We’re Thankful For You” card to someone, babysit your best-friends kid.)
4. Do something to thank someone in service for our country.
The Bible says that there’s no greater love than a man who lays down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) Explain to your children that sometimes these people pay the greatest sacrifice for our freedoms, we should give them the utmost respect!
5. Donate to someone in need.
Help your child to go thru old toys, clothes, and games while explaining to them how blessed we are to have so much. This will most certainly teach kids to be thankful because we are no longer in need of these blessings, we can give to those in need by donating to the less fortunate, homeless shelters, or our local thrift shops.
6. Prayer
There’s no better way to show your children to be thankful for someone/something than to mention them/it in prayer. This little reminder helps them to realize that God put this person/thing in our lives and we can thank Him because of it. This also educates good praying habits by praying for those in need and being thankful unto God for it.
Be Thankful: Short Stories, Jokes, & More
The Berenstain Bears: Thanksgiving All AroundThe Story of the Pilgrims (Pictureback(R))There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey!
I want you to take a timeout, slow down a little, take the time to breathe. But not only that, don’t forget about those kiddos. Let them know that you’re grateful for them, show them a little gratitude. Show them what it means to be thankful. When you learn how to teach kids thankfulness it not only impacts your life but also the lives of those around you.
If you’re looking for even more ways to help get your little one involved in the festivities and fun times that are coming, and to even more activities in how to teach kids thankfulness, you’ll want to grab this freebie up! Especially because I’m sending you a challenge and this activity pack will definitely help to teach kiddos to be thankful!
Have you been enforcing gratitude this month? In what ways to do you encourage your children to be thankful? Have you been utilizing other methods to teach kids to be thankful? What are some ways you’ve learned how to teach kids thankfulness?
