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Teaching Thanks
Monday, November 21, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
How do you teach a child to be thankful? Can you teach them to be thankful?
It's Thanksgiving week. Definitely as parents, our kiddos rank up on our list of things we are thankful for. If it weren't for my kiddo, I wouldn't have experienced a very special kind of love, an overwhelming and deep level of caring, and I certainly can thank her for making me a stronger person. After all, I now know I have the ability to function on little or no sleep. I have realized I can be faster than any superhero when it comes to protecting my child or swooping in to enable her to potty just in time, or simply multi-task like no other time in my life. Yes, I am thankful for her and the opportunity to be part of this adventure called parenthood.
At this time of year, I'm reminded of how important it is to teach her to be thankful too.
Just the other day at preschool, the question came up. Imagine the scene. Little preschoolers, all sitting nicely in a circle. Teachers sharing about the upcoming holiday and why we celebrate it. Then, it was each child's turn to share. The question was simple. It was short and sweet. It was: "What are you thankful for?"
It was then my child's turn. And the response? "DONUTS." That's right, folks. My daughter is thankful for donuts. Quite frankly, so am I. However, at this moment, I was looking for a little more depth. I was hoping for: "my mama, or my family, even my dog"...I'd take it. Instead, DONUTS.
Thinking about it, I am thankful for donuts as well. I mean, how can a gazillion calories taste so good and be so bad?
Ah, but I digress. Back to the point. How can we instill in our kiddo's what this holiday is really about?
Like most things, I realize that teaching them about this holiday is making the most of every opportunity we have to teach them something new. It is about making it developmentally appropriate and relevant to them.
Such as:
*Set the stage. Talk about what YOU are thankful for.
*Repetition. We all need several opportunities to learn a new skill or obtain new meaning. Our kiddos are no different.
*Make it relevant. Having trouble explaining the meaning of Thanksgiving? Head to your nearest library. Chances are, your children's librarian can help you find a terrific children's book that will be the perfect fit.
*Create traditions. Take the time at your dinner table to share what you are thankful for. If your child is old enough to share their words, encourage them. Even if they respond with donuts, embrace their opinion.
What other ways are you teaching your child about being thankful?
How will you celebrate this holiday?
Wishing you and yours a wonderful day!
