Gratitude is something I am constantly trying to teach my children.
I have noticed in my own personal life, that when I shift my mindset to what I am thankful for instead of what I am unhappy about, I live a more peaceful and happy life. We all go through hard times, and we all have emotions, but focusing on the positive instead of the negative has been a life changer for me. As we enter the season of thankfulness and giving, I want to teach my children to feel gratitude for what they are given and give to those who are less fortunate. But teaching this concept to little kids can be hard! Their little brains can’t see past their own needs at times. My hope is that these activities, rounded up by some of my favorite bloggers, will help you and your children talk about the concept of gratitude this Thanksgiving season.
And because we are in the spirit, please know how thankful our team at All About The Mom is for you, our readers. We are so glad to be on this journey of parenthood with you, and we are so grateful you take time to connect with us online and on social.
Xo,
Lizzie
Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
I love this activity, especially for children under the age of 10. Download our free Scavenger Hunt Guide and have your children go around the house and recognize the things that bring them joy. Then, perhaps offer them a treat that brings them happiness after they finish to come full circle.
Download your copy: –> THE GRATITUDE SCAVENGER HUNT
Make a Gratitude Jar
Credit: @blissful.kids_
As Chris Bergstrom from Blissful Kids writes, this jar is good for children of most ages. It also allows you to be crafty as your children can decorate their own jar to their liking. The idea is that you make a jar or box for your children to use to fill with tiny notes of things they are thankful for. You can do this practice weekly or daily. Even if your child can’t write yet, you can ask the question and you can write down their responses. It is a great way to check in with your children and bond and focus on the good in your life!
Grab your copy –> 12 BITE-SIZED MINDFULNESS ACTIVITIES
Gratitude Bingo
Play a round of Gratitude Bingo! Jen Merckling has created this adorable set of gratitude bingo cards. This is a super fun way to have a great time and talk about the things in life we may take forgranted.
Download your copy –> GRATITUDE BINGO GAME {FREEBIE!}
Gratitude Journal
Inspiration: @themessymotherhood
This is an incredible thing for parents and older kids to do, even together. What a beautiful moment to sit down and write and put pen to paper to describe what you are thankful for and why you are thankful for those things. Amanda, from Messy Motherhood shares that this practice really helped her get out of a bad place. I can’t wait to give this a try.
I also found this adorable gratitude journal from Walmart, which will make this super easy!
Get your own notebook –> CORSO LIVE HAPPY NOTEBOOK
Happiness Turkey
Credit: @heidikundin
I LOVE this little Turkey craft that Heidi Kundin posted on her Happiness is Homemade page. What an adorable idea. Children write down the things they are thankful for on their paper “feathers” and then you glue the feathers on the back of a paper plate. Then, you form your turkey. This is a great way to get kids cutting, writing and gluing and you finish out with a precious decoration to display in your home.
Make your own –> THANKSGIVING KIDS CRAFT: GRATITUDE TURKEYS
