During the holidays, we tend to focus a lot on thankfulness as well as providing for others. It’s become part of our seasonal tradition as we’ve grown up with families of our own. But how do we teach this valuable lesson of gratefulness and giving to our youngest kids?
Through their senses
Especially with preschoolers and younger children, ask them to think of things they’re appreciative of by considering what’s around them—things they can literally see, taste, hear, smell, or touch. Children this age are concrete in their development, so anything tactile is better understood than talking about “blessings” or generalized feelings of gratefulness. Each day your “Thank You, God” prayers could include giving thanks for several tangible things your child is familiar with in their day-to-day experiences.
Through relationships
Put application to your prayers for those in need around you. Say to your child, “One of our neighbors recently lost her job and is feeling really sad. But God has given us so much! Let’s take some food and cookies to their house tonight as a way of helping her feel happy again.” I’ve noticed that kids have big hearts when it comes to bringing joy to those who are feeling dejected. Get your child involved in this outreach project in age-appropriate ways. Perhaps your daughter can help stir food or pour ingredients in a bowl as you’re making something. This will help her feel part of the bigger picture of spreading joy to others, which will automatically help with her own gratitude.
Through our communities
Many kids are familiar with community-wide acts of giving during the winter holiday season. A project such as Operation Christmas Child® is a great way to enlarge your child’s focus toward helping people outside his immediate circle of family and friends. These endeavors also show children how to be more grateful for what they may already have.
Also, remember to express your own thankfulness for God’s goodness in easy-to-understand wording with your younger family members. Children will enjoy hearing your excitement in recounting God’s goodness to you in literal ways they can experience and comprehend.