I can’t tell you how many times my sweet friend used to say, “Why aren’t my kids thankful?”
Perhaps it’s because THANKFULNESS doesn’t come naturally and children who don’t suffer lack have a hard time understanding the concept of thankfulness.
When our sons were young, we looked for ways to instill a thankful heart and compassion for others. We discovered that when we teach kids to give, they are more aware of the needs of others. And when they are more aware of the needs of others, they are more likely to grasp the concept of thankfulness.
Today’s ideas give you 10 ways to help teach your children to have a thankful heart.
1. TEACH THEM TO GIVE ~
When our kids were young, we started a Bread of Life Ministry in which we, along with some sweet friends, would make our way to the local store where they pulled bread, cakes and pastries that were getting ready to go out of date. Then we would deliver the goodies to local low income neighborhoods and apartment complexes. Many were single moms, many were disabled, all were very thankful for something our kids had taken for granted.
Think of some ways you can teach your children to give to those in need and they will be more likely to be thankful for what they have.
2. TEACH THEM TO SERVE ~
In every neighborhood there are those in need. Widows, handicapped, sick and shut ins. In every community there are the homeless and helpless. Develop a list of ways you and your children can serve others. Mow the lawn of a widow. Make a meal for a sick friend or neighbor. Collect blankets for the homeless. Spend some time with the helpless and the lonely.
Take some time to talk to your kids about what these people may be going through and how hard it would be you or your children were in their position. Teach them to serve and they will develop a heart of compassion and thanksgiving.
3. BE THANKFUL ~
They’re watching you sweet mom…and you’re their best and most consistent example in life. Be thankful for the big and the little things. When they do something for you, be sure to say Thank you! When you are able to buy something at the store, let them see you are thankful for it. Tell others, Thank you in front of them. Be the best example you can be of what a thankful heart looks like.
4. DON’T BE A COMPLAINER ~
It may be hard not to complain when things don’t go your way or when finances are tight and you can’t buy something you really want, but those are the times when what you say with your life will speak much louder than words. Little hearts are watching, so be careful not to complain.
5. TEACH YOUR KIDS MANNERS ~
In a world where manners are seemingly unimportant, you have the chance to instill in your kids how to demonstrate manners in their lives. When someone gives them something, teach them to say, Thank you and to write a Thank You note. When your kids ask for something, teach them to say Please. When they do something they shouldn’t, help them understand why they need to say, I’m sorry.
6. MAKE THE DINNER TABLE A PLACE TO TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE THANKFUL FOR~
I love table-talk with the family at dinner time. What a great way to talk about what you were thankful for during the day, the needs of others and how you, as a family, can help them, and how God has blessed you that day. Don’t just eat at dinner time…talk THANKFULNESS.
7. TEACH YOUR KIDS TO JOURNAL THEIR BLESSINGS AND ANSWERED PRAYERS ~
Cultivate a heart of thanksgiving by helping children learn the power of journaling. When they write down things they are thankful for and how God has answered their prayers, they will be able to see how good God is and trust Him when times are hard.
8. LOOK UP VERSES ABOUT THANKFULNESS TOGETHER ~
November is a great month to walk through the Word with your kids and read verses about thankfulness together. You can memorize one verse a week. You don’t have to wait until November. Make it something you do before school or before bed at night. When you saturate their hearts with God’s Word on thankfulness, you’ll cultivate a heart of thanksgiving.
9. MAKE A BLESSINGS JAR ~
You can incorporate this during dinner or do it before bed at night. It’s a great way to gather things your thankful for and then during the month of November, each of you can pull one out and reflect on the goodness of God.
10.REINACT THE FIRST THANKSGIVING WITH YOUR KIDS ~
What a fun way to go all out and teach your kids why Thanksgiving Day exists and how the Indians helped the Pilgrims when food was scarce and their kids were hungry. Not only will you be cultivating a heart of thanksgiving in your children, you will also help inspire their creativity too.
So, there ya go…10 ways to teach your children how to be thankful during Thanksgiving…and all year long.
WHAT WOULD YOU ADD TO THE LIST? HOW DO YOU TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO BE THANKFUL?
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