Thanksgiving is right around the corner. As parents, we want our children to have thankful hearts. We want to teach them that thanksgiving is a time for careful reflection on what we're thankful for and not just turkey time (though the pie is irresistible...oh the pie...). But how can we help young kiddos learn to communicate their thankfulness?
Yep. You guessed it. By example. Young children will follow your lead of showing how thankful you are for the good things in your life.
Try it like this: "I'm so thankful for ______. 'Thankful' means I'm so glad. It makes my heart happy."
Then ask your child what she is thankful for. You may need to help very young children by giving suggestions- "Hmm...you always seem so happy when the puppy comes inside and licks your hand. I wonder if you're thankful to have such a friendly puppy?!" And you can challenge older children by helping them think of qualities, rather than just tangible objects, that they're thankful for.
Did you do it? What happened? Now go eat pie :)
0 comments:
Post a Comment