I think raising "thankful" kids is really hard and also really important. I wish I could say I'm better at it all year long, but I'm not. It's often in November, and the start of the holiday season, that it really starts to hit home that I need to do more of this all year long. Hmmm....I feel a New Year's Resolution in the making!
Kids do what we do so the first place to start is by showing kids how we, as adults, are thankful and that we, as a family, can give back and do good in our community. Here are a few things we're doing in our home to teach our kids about being thankful and giving back. Hopefully it will inspire you, and please leave a comment to share things you and your family will be doing, as well!
✿Make a "Thankful Turkey" for your Thanksgiving Day tablescape!
✿Donating toys to Toys for Tots
✿Picking a local charity (the RVSPCA is my boys' favorite) and making a family donation. They actually make it easy to donate and have a wish list right on Amazon.com
✿Creating our own advent calendar and once a week we'll do something charitable like donate food to the food bank or make cards for people at the nursing home.
✿Using the "4 Gifts" Gift List to include something they want, something need, something to wear, and something read. (Trying to move away from just toys, toys, toys!)
✿Giving each other a gift of "time or talent" instead of buying stuff. My son loves to draw so he's going to draw pictures for everyone this year {uh oh, if any grandparents are reading this act surprised when you get your gift, ok?}
Peace, Love, and Macaroni,
~Jamie
