Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. Sarah from our West Allis/Wauwatosa Center was on Real Milwaukee on November 11 to talk about teaching your children gratitude through your actions as a parent.
If you missed the segment you can catch it here: https://www.fox6now.com/news/teaching-gratitude-tips-parents-from-ebenezer-child-care-centers
Here are some great books about gratitude she talked about:
Gratitude is My Superpower: A children’s book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity (My Superpower Books) by Alicia Ortego
Do you want to teach your children how to be grateful for the things they already have?
Little Betsy will learn that happiness is made up of simple things in life, both small and big. With the help of the magic stone, she will begin to feel gratitude for her parents, friends, and toys. But what happens when little Betsy forgets to use the magic of her stone? She will realize that the power of gratitude is hidden in her heart.
“Gratitude is my superpower” will teach your little ones to appreciate the warmth of home, time spent playing with friends, and family relationships.
Children Who Dance in the Rain: Children’s Book of the Year Award, a Book About Kindness, Gratitude, and a Child’s Determination to Change the World by Susan Jusic
Acclaimed as the Children’s Book of the Year, a captivating take that cultivates empathy, nurtures self-confidence, and inspires an attitude of appreciation in young minds.
Help foster empathy, emotional intelligence, and social skills by introducing children to diverse perspectives, experiences, and a sense of gratitude for the blessings in their lives.
Meet the children who learned to dance in the rain. Sophie gets bored quickly and won’t even eat her food without looking at her tablet. She’s thrilled to hear of her family’s upcoming trip to a magical place called India, a land she’s only heard of in stories. Once there, she quickly realizes that the underprivileged children living in the mud colony possess a joy and contentment she can’t explain. Sophie sets out on a journey of discovery, but what she finds may change her world forever. This tale about the true meaning of happiness and the power of gratitude is based on true events.
True to one of its core themes about giving back, 100% percent of net proceeds from every fourth copy of Children Who Dance in the Rain will go to charities such as Save The Children, GiveWell and Bright Sparks School in Mohali, India, who are dedicated to providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
The Gratitude Jar – A children’s book about creating habits of thankfulness and a positive mindset.: Appreciating and being thankful for the little things in life by Katrina Liu
Teach kids a positive mindset and thankfulness with this beautifully illustrated picture book. It’s the perfect story for Thanksgiving or any time of year! In a world full of entitlement and constant comparison, this book can help give kids a new perspective.
Mina was feeling sorry for herself. She always seemed to notice the good things that others had, but she didn’t. One day, her family decided to make a gratitude jar, and things began to change. Soon the family discovers the power of gratitude and appreciation for life’s simple things.
This delightful story introduces thankfulness and helps kids strengthen their gratitude skills. It’s an excellent tool for developing children’s core values, mindful habits, happiness, and overall quality of life.
What are you grateful for? Give the gift of gratitude by sharing this book and starting a jar with your kids and family today.
Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks—the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what’s most important is being able to share them with family.
Julie Markes reminds kids and adults alike about the little details that make each day enjoyable, while Doris Barrette’s beautiful and striking illustrations bring her thoughtful words to life.
Perfectly in tune with what children are thankful for—such as a park, slides, and pets, and especially their family—this is a warm and genuine way to share the true Thanksgiving spirit.
Bear Say Thanks by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
What better way for Bear to say thanks than over a nice, big dinner? Bear decides to throw a feast! One by one, Bear’s friends show up with different platters of delicious food to share. There’s just one problem: Bear’s cupboards are bare! What is he to do?
Helping Others in the Community and teaching gratitude
Helping Neighbors – raking leaves, shoveling snow, making meals or healthy snacks for sick or elderly neighbors, picking up trash in the neighborhood
Donating toys and clothing your children no longer want/need to those less fortunate
Making cards or art projects for seniors at senior living facilities or seniors in your neighborhood
Donating food to food drives. When you grocery shop let the kiddos pick out a few items to donate.
Homeless Goody Bags. Making these and having them in your car for when you encounter a homeless is a great thing to do. Ideas for bag contents include a bottle of Gatorade, a protein bar, applesauce, Vitamin C drops, nail clipper, new pair of socks, hand wipes or hand sanitizer, maybe some peanut butter crackers, mini deodorant and toothbrush/tooth paste.
Thanksgiving art projects That you can do on Thanksgiving to talk about gratitude with everyone:
Supplies:
Brown Card Stock or cardboard
Scissors
Pencil
Markers
Instructions:
Trace your child’s hand on a folded piece of cardboard. Cut out the hand tip of the thumb and fingertips connected so the hand can open. Write Give Thanks on the outside of the hand and decorate it however you like. In the inside, write what you are thankful for.
https://kidfriendlythingstodo.com/giving-thanks-praying-hands-craft
Supplies:
Tree Branch
Colored construction paper
Scissors
Pencil
Marker
Paper Puncher
Instructions:
Trace your child’s hand on a piece of colored construction paper. Help your child cut out their handprint. Ask them what they are thankful for. Help them write it on their handprint along with their name. Punch a hole in the paper and hang it on your branch.
Supplies:
Card stock
Candy Kisses
Scotch Tape
Writing utensils
Instructions:
Take a piece of card stock and fold it over. On the outside write “Thank you! Here is a (leave space) for you. Tape a Candy Kiss in the space. Inside write a message for what you are thankful for.
