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Teaching Children the Importance of Giving Thanks

Want to help your young child understand the meaning behind Thanksgiving? Here are some ideas for you to try.

Posted Thu, Nov 10, 2011 at 9:23 pm CT|Updated Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 2:09 pm CT

We see our family and friends, eat too much pie, enjoy a few extra days off from school and work, but beyond that.

How can we demonstrate to our children the importance of both Thanksgiving and giving thanks?

Here are some suggestions:

The first Thanksgiving: First, let’s start by making sure our children know the story of the first Thanksgiving. Pick up a developmentally-appropriate book or find information online. It is important to discuss this story of hardship, friendship and sharing in an age-appropriate way.

A new tradition. Establish a new family tradition revolving around what your family is thankful for. This Thanksgiving, have everyone write or draw what they are most thankful for. Together, decorate a shoebox or journal to everyone’s answers. Make a point of adding to this box or journal throughout the year, and by next Thanksgiving you will have an amazing record of thanks. Add to this year after year—what a great treat it will be for the family to read through each Thanksgiving as your children grow!

Share by commenting below: What are some of the things your children are most thankful for?