How to Teach Your Child About Sharing the Thanksgiving Spirit

The holiday season brings so many opportunities to teach our kids the joy of giving. Giving means sharing not only our material possessions but also sharing our time and talents. Teaching children at an early age to be giving and sharing builds character and creates caring Christian adults. This Thanksgiving choose one of these experiences to share with your family.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Family
• Canned food items
• Thanksgiving basket items
• Meals on Wheels contact
• Soup Kitchen
• Time
• Willingness to share and serve others

1. Many schools and churches organize canned food drives to stock food pantries during the holiday season. Share the excitement as your child's class races to bring in cans for a can castle. Take your child shopping to purchase extra cans. If possible take him to visit the food pantry so that he understands where his contributions go.

2. 
    

   Join your church or other organization in preparing a Thanksgiving basket for a needy family. Ask your child to make a personal card for the family. Have your kids help choose a Thanksgiving print tablecloth, plates, and napkins as a fun basket addition.

3. 
    

   Schedule a time when your whole family can share the experience of serving meals at a soup kitchen for the homeless or needy. It will be a Thanksgiving long remembered.

4. 
    

   One of our family's fondest Thanksgiving memories is the tyear we participated in Meals on Wheels on Thanksgiving Day. My girls made special placemats for each meal recipient and a small turky decoration for their tray. We will always remember the smiles and laughter brought to the elderly shut-ins we visited. Contact your local Meals on Wheels organization to find out how you can help.

5. 
    

   Make homemade Thanksgiving cards and decoration to share with family, neighbors, and friends. Gifts from the heart are always appreciated.

6. 
    

   Every child can have a part in sharing the spirit of Thanksgiving. Make this year's Thanksgiving one to remember for years to come.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan ahead - dates, times, etc.
• Let your kids be part of the decision making process.
• It may just become a family tradition!

[paulusgrandis]

on 11/17/2009 Excellent article and so incredibly important! ***** and rec'd!

[artistephoto]

on 11/12/2009 I'm so glad I read this! Great ideas for teaching your children about being thankful. I'm thankful that you shared!

[askapeach]

on 11/7/2009 Excellent suggestions on the importance of teaching children about sharing the Thanksgiving spirit! You gave many ideas that we can use. Thanks

[counselor40]

on 11/6/2009 Great article! We should all remember the true meaning of the holidays! 5 stars

[danahn17]

on 11/5/2009 great article! i think that all to often we forget the meaning behind certain holidays and its great that you are instilling those values in your children :)