New Ideas for Thanksgiving: Instilling Gratitude in Your Preschooler

Many Americans are divided about celebrating Thanksgiving, but most everyone can agree that instilling gratitude in children is important. We gobbled up some history about Thanksgiving, new, inclusive ways you can celebrate the holiday with your little turkey, and how to instill gratitude in your preschooler all year long (not just in November, during National Gratitude Month). 

Teaching Your Little One About Thanksgiving

The origins of the Thanksgiving holiday have a complex narrative within American history. For many indigenous people, Thanksgiving is a day of mourning. For others, the origins have been lost in favor of a day of gathering family around enjoying favorite family recipes. And yet others see it as a day to watch the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or NFL games. 

Teaching your preschooler about the origins of Thanksgiving helps them understand the early days of settlers and indigenous people in the United States. National Geographic Kids offers an overview of the first Thanksgiving and how the modern holiday came to be. The Mom Psychologist also offers up tips and resources about how to talk about the true history of Thanksgiving (which she recommends for children ages 4 and older).  

November is also Indigenous Peoples’ Month, making it the perfect time to go beyond Thanksgiving to recognize the rich culture and traditions of indigenous peoples. Read more about how to foster cultural appreciation in our blog post about Indigenous People’s Month. 

Teaching Preschoolers About Gratitude

Whether it be for Thanksgiving or anytime, teaching kids about mindfulness and gratitude has notable benefits for brain development and overall happiness. As Children’s Hospital of Colorado highlights in their blog post “The Power of Gratitude for Kids,” practicing gratitude helps our brains release dopamine and serotonin, the chemicals that help us feel happiness and contentment. These short-term benefits can lead to increased energy, balance, and more. In the long-term, practicing gratitude and mindfulness can improve overall wellbeing and increase resiliency. 

Yet, for the littlest turkeys, gratitude can be a complex concept to grasp. Here are three ways to make it easier for preschoolers to learn about gratitude. 

• From turkey art projects to gratitude journals and scavenger hunts, there are myriad ways to teach your children about gratitude using their heads, hearts, and hands. Check out these “40 Meaningful Gratitude Activities for Kids” depuis Weareteachers.com, which range from games to craft projects. 
• For young children, books are a great way to introduce the idea of giving thanks. Doing Good Together offers a lineup of 23 children’s books about gratitude. This video and read aloud  of “The Gratitude Jar” is a fun way to help preschoolers learn about gratitude. The New York Times’ «10 Picture Books That Help Kids (and Adults) Celebrate Gratitude” also offers up great suggestions for giving thanks. 
• Create your own tradition! Giving thanks together is a great way to create a feeling of love and community within your family. Write letters, draw pictures, or share what you are thankful for around the dining table. Do what feels right for you and try something new! 

Create Connection and Community this November

No matter how, or if, you celebrate Thanksgiving, November is a wonderful time to get people of all ages together for food, conversation, and connection. There is no better place to connect with friends, family, and neighbors than around a table sharing recipes and traditions. Plus, doing so is a great way to model for your preschooler how to create traditions that work best for your family. 

Here are a few ways to create community connections this November. 

• Host a friendsgiving — While some may spend Thanksgiving with family, a friendsgiving held before or even the day of Thanksgiving is a great way to extend your gratitude and thankfulness to the wider community. For a low-stress option, hold a potluck or meet at a park for a picnic. If you are up for hosting, 5280 magazine has some hosting tips for decor, flowers, and recipes. 
• Volunteer with a local charity — Supporting those who may not have a warm meal or home to go to for the holiday is a great way to teach children about giving back. Donate turkeys and food to a local food pantry, or volunteer in person at a shelter or mission near you. Denver Rescue Mission hosts an annual turkey drive, and Mile High United Way has a range of ways to support families around the holidays. Or, reach out to nonprofit organizations that mean the most to you, and learn how you can support them this holiday season. Read our blog post on “Comment présenter à vos enfants les possibilités de bénévolat et de don” for additional tips. 
• Trot or move this holiday – One of the best ways to start the Thanksgiving holiday is to get outside and get your family moving. You may decide to join a local Turkey Trot run/walk, take a hike in the late fall foliage, or start a pickup football game in a local park. An extra perk is that the endorphins from exercising will elevate everyone’s mood and appetites. 
  • For a list of local Turkey Trots near you, Runguides.com has an interactive map to find the closest event near you or one that benefits a cause or nonprofit you support. 
  • Not into football? Try a scavenger hunt or leaf tag! Here are some outdoor games you can try with your whole family in the backyard or local park. 

Gobble Up More Insights For Your Preschooler

Celebration, connection, and creativity are the keys to creating lasting memories with your little one this November. Whether you choose to be in the kitchen or in the community this Thanksgiving, remember to savor the time together and know that your unique traditions will help children more deeply understand the joy of giving thanks and giving back. 

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