Teach kids charity and thankfulness
Encourage an attitude of gratitude in your kids this holiday season.
An overstuffed refrigerator, days off from school, and stir-crazy kids—yep, it’s the holidays! It’s easy for a child’s gratitude to get lost somewhere between the three kinds of pie on the table and schedule-free afternoons, but these ideas can help.
Watch cute videos
Give the family warm fuzzies by watching this music video of cuddly giant panda pals. (Warning: You will never get the song out of your head!) Afterward encourage your children to talk about why they’re grateful for their own friends—and how they show them that they care. Then flip that idea on its head and be thankful that you’re not part of a family of dung beetles, mola fish, or other wacky creatures.
Take photos
Help your child express appreciation through photography. Get them started with these Nat Geo photo tips, then challenge them to take pictures that show what makes them thankful—cute pets, their favorite food, whatever! Need inspiration? Crank up their happiness level with “smiling” animals like snowy owls, chimps, sea otters, and more!
Cook together
Cooking as a family can teach kids to appreciate spending time with loved ones—as well as the food they’re about to eat. Get them started by making this poached pear dessert together and talking about what foods or family dining traditions they’re grateful for. While you’re waiting for the pears to cook, go through the cupboards to see what you could donate to charity this holiday season. Or use the time to keep their brains active over the break by reading about Thanksgiving history.
