It is a tradition in our home every November to discuss the things in our lives for which we are thankful. It all started one year with our Thankful Tree, in which my then 3 year old and I hung paper leaves on branches. One year we crafted painted thankful leaves out of recycled newspaper and scattered them all over the wall. This year I did something a little different: we created a gratitude wall. (Note: this post was originally sponsored by Pirate's Booty snacks.)
I kept it very simple with a stack of index cards and a jar of our favorite colored pens. You could get a little fancy and use these darling printable thankful cards. Each night at dinner we discuss what we are thankful for that day. I encourage the kids to think of things both small and large. After all, it's okay to be thankful for pencils AND our good health. (This post contains affiliate links.)
Letting the kids pick out seemingly small things also teaches them to find joy in ordinary moments (even after school treats) as well as being grateful for the extraordinary.
Those of you who have been with this blog for a while (and I am thankful for you!) will know I am grateful for books. This scene, of my older son and his voracious love of reading is one I am incredibly thankful for each and every day. (Although I may prefer he eat at the table instead of the couch!!)
My kids are so very, very different and I am certainly equally thankful for my super duper high energy little guy who loves to dance and act silly, even when eating his after school snack! You can't tell from this photo but he was bouncing all over that bench! Whew!
At the beginning of the month, my younger son balked at having to to write the cards. He struggles with fine motor and feels self-conscious about his handwriting. I didn't pressure him, but wrote down his words for him. I am thankful that he is now participating, even though sometimes he still struggles.
After dinner we put them up on the wall and it's so nice to have a visual reminder of all the good things in life, even bacon.
I just want to say I am thankful for all the followers of this blog! Sharing our favorite activities through blogging has been a real joy for me and it's wonderful to have your support.
Another idea to extend this traditional all year long is to start a gratitude journal. I love this free printable version from Dirt and Boogers. The time spent filling it in together will create a family bond. Showing your kids that you value expressing and recording all that you are thankful for sets a positive example that will stick with them for life.
More:
- Creative Family Gratitude Activities Kids and Parents will Love
- Thankful Coloring Pages to Start a Conversation
- Creative Family Memories in a Box
Disclosure: This was originally (2014) written as a sponsored post. That means I received compensation for my writing. All ideas, activities, opinions and photos are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
growingbookbybook says
We do a gratitude journal, but I love the idea of this visual wall on the reminder that we would see throughout the day. And, my kids love Pirate's Booty. It is the gift that Grandpa brings the kids every time he visits!
Erica MomandKiddo says
That's so cute. My kids love when I bring it as a snack for the walk home from school.
Anna Meadows says
Great idea!Love hearing about new traditions!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Anna.
Sugar Aunts says
What a good idea for sharing gratitude with the whole family! I love the card idea!!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks! Plus, it keeps things simple and do-able.
Alex Baugh (@RandomlyReading) says
This is a great idea, especially good to do just before the Christmas and Chanukah seasons begin. Maybe to counteract the commerical bombardment kids encounter then, the gratitude wall could be extended into a kind of advent calendar.
I have a niece who would also be very thankful for bacon. In the food department, I would be thankful for chocolate.
Erica MomandKiddo says
I was thankful for blackberries!
Anne at Left Brain Craft Brain says
I love that you're talking about gratitude daily. I'm definitely trying to get my three year old to understand the true meaning of thank you right now.
Erica MomandKiddo says
That's a tricky age for gratitude! Actually 5 and 9 are tricky, too. 🙂 Which is why it's so important to keep at it!
Jacquie says
Now that the kids are older, we discuss what we are thankful for and others may not have (food, warm clothes, etc) and then we work as a family to find a way to bless others with these items like donating to a food or clothing drive.
Erica MomandKiddo says
I love that, Jacquie!
Teri Moote says
We write on one of our biggest Pumpkins. It's the centerpiece on the table. By Thanksgiving it is an amazing thing.
Erica says
Great idea!
Laura Legge says
I love love your blog. My husband and I are raising our young granddaughter who's five and your blog has been invaluable to me. I am SO thankful for you and all the time you put into sharing your ideas.
S mcintyre says
Curious about the product placement in this post. Are you being sponsored by that product?
Erica says
In the opening paragraph I clearly state that the post was indeed (four years ago) sponsored by Pirate's Booty - who was running a giveaway at the time. I obviously removed the outdated giveaway but I felt the idea was still valid so I did not delete the post.