November 2023

Thankful for Mud Puddles?

We all hope to raise children that are thankful for the many blessings that they enjoy. From the youngest age, we teach them to say thank you for acts of kindness and to write thank you notes for birthday gifts. But what if we spent more time helping them to be thankful for the awesomeness of their daily life instead of just the big events? This is a habit that we can choose to practice every day.

It’s funny, but kids are naturals at seeing the magnificence of the world- just try pulling a two-old away from a squishy mud puddle! But sadly, our busy schedules and over reliance on technology are beginning to diminish some of that natural wonderment. We have over-scheduled our days into simply survival and have lost the thankfulness for life’s simplest pleasures. So, this month- when you’re teaching your child to be thankful- start by spending time with them appreciating these simple joys, which by the way are free and accessible to all of us!

- Read together! Read aloud to smaller children- choosing books that you both love. With older kids- show them what you are reading and ask about their books.

- Get outside every day and as my mom used to say- “putz” around. Kids can find the most fascinating things to do when they have time to spend outside.

- Take a slow walk outside allowing your child to ask questions and stop to check out whatever catches his/her eye.

- Listen to music. Sing and dance when the feeling moves you!

- Enjoy time with pets. Pets can make us laugh in ways that nothing else can.

- Offer and accept a lot of hugs every day. There is a special peace that comes from this physical comfort.

- Get messy: go barefoot, jump in the leaves, finger paint and turn on the hose!

Gratitude starts with the simplest appreciation of our everyday joys!

November Book Recommendations for Kids and Adults

For Adults:

Awe The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life

By Dacher Keltner · 2023

November Books For Kids:

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Selma by Jutta Bauer

The Thank You Book by Mo Willems

The Sour Grape by Jory John

Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Amy Dewdney

Sara Morton's Day by Kate Waters

How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton