Happy November! One of the best parts of this time of year is the time people take to reflect and be thankful. When I think of what I'm thankful for in 2013, many things to come to mind, especially the great youth and families I've worked with in this community! Do you talk to your child about being thankful? Talking about the wonderful things they already have may help to protect your whole family from the "gimmes" that are easily prompted by the holiday advertising just around the corner. (Christmas commercials are already airing!) Here are a few ideas to get you talking about gratitude and appreciation in your family:
1. Start a reflective ritual. Before bed, go through your child's day with them. Come up with some questions that you'll ask every night, like, "what was the best part of your day?" "What was the hardest part of your day?" And, sneak in the gratitude... "What are you thankful for?"
2. Take it one step further and make a gratitude journal. Get out the old magazines and Mod Podge and decorate a notebook with your kids so they have a space where they can record the things they’re thankful for. This will give them more ownership over their reflective ritual.
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3. Say it yourself! It may seem fake at first, but put in the effort yourself to talk about the things you appreciate. It may be the fact that they cleaned their room (positive behavior support!) or that you are able to put food on the table each night. Big or small, kids model the behaviors of their parents.
4. Have them create a “giveaway box” of their old toys, books, games, or clothes that their willing to donate. Do a little research and talk with them about where their donations go and who they help. This is a thoughtful reminder of how much they have and all that they have to be thankful for. This can be a year round project and help them learn organizational skills.
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5. Prioritize thank you notes! When your kids receive gifts, make sure they write thank you notes. You can even have them help you with yours; it all goes back to role modeling!
6. Find a way to volunteer together. This may take even more research on your part, but volunteering together is a great way to make lasting memories and have a huge impact on your kids. May I suggest Healthy Kids Day or Camp Clean Up with the Y?
7. Save your pennies! Have your kids collect coins around your house and help you clean out the car (for the purpose of finding coins and helping you out!), and save them in a jar. Pick a favorite cause together and donate your change when your jar is full.
What other ways do you rally your family around gratitude?
