Please, Thank You, magic, magic, magic, magic (Thanks Yo Gabba Gabba for teaching this!) As we approach Thanksgiving, I started thinking just how thankful I am for everything in my life.  I am Thankful for my husband, kids, home, and everything else in between.  Then I wondered, do my kids feel thankful, are they appreciative, and giving? Do they understand what it means? Teaching your kids to be thankful kids is so important and it is more than just manners, in my opinion.

            As parents we strive to give our kids the best life we possibly can.  We want them to have what we didn’t, and more.  However, I also think it’s our responsibility to teach them to give thanks and the importance of giving versus receiving.  

            I often have to remind my three and half year old son to say, “thank you”, “please, and “you’re welcome” sometimes he does this without my little reminders.  Having thankful kids is rewarding for me as a parent, because I feel like I am doing my job as their mom.

            Let’s face it kids absorb everything around them (yes, mommies even the bad stuff) sometimes we adults can be so ungrateful and rude, that it makes it impossible to teach our kids the “right” way to behave.  There are days when I catch myself having a bad attitude and my kids pick up on that really quick.  My negative energy is passed on to them in a big way, lately I have tried to turn my frowns upside down in order to teach them by my actions; not my words. 

            So I want to include a few tips in which I have implemented in our daily lives to ensure my kids are giving and showing thanks for all they have.

 

1.  We pray. 

            Our family is very spiritual, we believe in God and make our relationship with God a priority.  My husband and myself teach our kids that everything we have we glorify God.  So we pray before meals and bedtimes to ensure our kids give thanks on a daily.  I catch my son doing this on his own sometimes, which makes me feel great and proud that he has those strong beliefs within his heart. 

 

2.   The Thankful Tree.

            What’s that? Well I actually did this with my son last year, however I think he was still too little to understand. So here’s what you do: Make a tree (you can use craft paper or construction depending on how big you want the tree) I used construction.  You draw branches and on each one you (or them, if they can write) places something that they are thankful for.  This can be toys, cars, TV, TV shows, you name it.  I am definitely going to try this activity again this year now that my son is older. 🙂

 

3. Operation Christmas Child

            This is a great activity for you to do with your little ones.  We also did this last year.  We did 2 boxes, and filled them with goodies for underprivileged kids.  My son placed a car, toothbrush, and socks in the box.  We didn’t explain in so much detail, but we did explain we were sending a gift to a “special” friend around the world.  Simple and sweet is what little ones understand.  You can have them draw a photo and put in the box as well.  A great way to help your kids understand how to give.  And it doesn’t have to be this specific program, it can be anything! You can chose what’s best for your child’s age group.

For more about this check out their website: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

 

            I believe and understand it perfectly now, our kids are a mini reflection of us.  How they behave is 100 percent our responsibility.  My son ( and now daughter) are not perfect angels, nor do I expect them to be.  But they can practice to be giving and thankful because my kids are very lucky.  They have a stable home, both parents, and much more.  They lack nor want for nothing.  I want them to know that and be a blessing and show compassion to someone else less fortunate.  That’s my job, and I will continue to do what I have to so that they grow up with that mentality. 

            Well mommies as we get into the Thankful spirit, let’s pass this on to our little ones.  Teach them the importance of giving, compassion, and thanks.  Thanks for stopping by you can share or comment here, I look forward to hearing from you. Let’s continue to strive for mommy success!

 

 

XOXO,

Reina