Thanksgiving: Nurturing Gratitude in Our Families

A Thanksgiving Dinner Activity: Sharing and Wishing

For Younger Kids: Drawing Their Gratitude

• Give them paper and a variety of art supplies.
• Encourage them to draw or craft something they are thankful for. It could be their family, a pet, or something they enjoy doing.
• When they present their artwork, ask them questions about it, showing genuine interest and reinforcing their feelings of gratitude.

For Older Kids and Adults: Gratitude Lists for Display

• Provide them with stationery and decorative materials.
• Guide them to write down what they are grateful for and their aspirations for the coming year.
• Suggest hanging these lists in their rooms as a daily reminder. Each month, revisit these lists with them, adding new items and reflecting on the ones already listed.

Making Gratitude a Year-Round Practice

Thanksgiving is just the beginning. Encourage your children to keep a gratitude journal, where they can write down things they are thankful for each day. This practice not only improves their outlook on life but also serves as a coping mechanism during tough times.

• Family Gratitude Time: Dedicate a few minutes each day or during family dinners for everyone to share something they’re grateful for. This routine can transform the family’s approach to life, creating a more positive and appreciative household.
• Volunteer as a Family: Participating in community service or helping those in need can profoundly impact children’s understanding of gratitude and empathy. It shows them firsthand how their actions can make a positive difference in others’ lives.

Gratitude in Challenging Times: A Story from My Clinic

In my practice, I often meet families navigating complex challenges with their children. One such story that stands out involves a child diagnosed with ADHD. To his parents, his behavior seemed unmanageable, often overshadowing the joys of parenting. They initially came to me filled with frustration and disappointment, struggling to see beyond the daily difficulties.

Finding Gratitude in the Midst of Challenges

Through our sessions, we embarked on a journey to discover gratitude in what seemed like an endless struggle. This wasn’t easy; it required a fundamental shift in perspective. We started by addressing two critical questions:

What are the good things that my child brings to this family?

• Initially, the parents found this difficult to answer. However, with time and reflection, they began to recognize their child’s unique qualities – his creativity, boundless energy, and even the lessons in patience and resilience he unknowingly taught them.

What have I learned from dealing with challenging situations that I can foster in my life?

• This question led to profound realizations. The parents learned about the depths of their own strength, the importance of empathy, and the value of celebrating small victories.