Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday amongst the Li’l Woodzeez of Honeysuckle Hollow. There’s a cozy feeling in the air, and you can smell the delicious feasts that many critters are cooking in their kitchens. Also known as Friendsgiving, it’s a special time when friends and Famileez come together to show appreciation for all the good there is in life – no matter how big or small!
To give thanks to YOU, your Li’l Woodzeez friends have prepared a kids’ gratitude booklet. Print it, share it with your li’l one, and enjoy the time you spend together! This activity book is a great way to keep kids busy while you travel to visit family, prepare for a big meal, or to bond over the power of gratitude.
Why practice gratitude?
Being thankful is good for everyone! Teaching kids to be grateful from a young age can help them grow into happier, well-balanced grown-ups that can roll with the punches. They might also be better friends and classmates, willing to give a helping hand to those in need.
Here are just a few of the many benefits of gratitude for kids:
- Increased happiness
- Improved mood regulation
- Better sleep
- Resilience to change
- Optimism & positive outlook
- Higher self-esteem
Everyday ways to show gratitude
Thanksgiving isn’t the only time of year to be thankful! The key to a grateful mindset is to practice it regularly, and to be a role model for your li’l one. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words! So, aside from your everyday Ps and Qs, here are simple ways you can teach your child gratitude:
- Write thank you notes and cards. Did someone do you a favor? Why not go the extra mile with a thank you note? (The Bushytail Squirrels will even add a dozen cookies.) Holiday greeting cards are another great way to show appreciation, and an easy way to get kids involved!
- Donate to charity and goodwill. Choosing to give things away – instead of throwing them out – shows gratitude for the objects around you while appreciating the people that could use them! Consider donating to charity with your kiddo in tow and bring them with you when donating helpful items to people and animals in need.
- Repair what you own. Fixing everyday objects, like gluing a broken flowerpot or sewing a torn sock, shows kids not to take what they have for granted. Just ask the Handydandy Mice – they are experts when it comes to fixing things!
- Visit loved ones. Express your appreciation for people with gratitude visits! Showing gratitude in person does wonders for mental health. You can say hello just because, or take a moment to thank the person you’re visiting for all they’ve done for you. Either way, a visit shows that you care.
- Practice gratitude affirmations. Regularly ask your kiddo what they’re grateful for and encourage them to be specific. This can help kids develop a more positive outlook, while boosting important character traits such as empathy, kindness, and resilience.
Thank you for visiting your Li’l Woodzeez friends – we hope you enjoy our Gratitude Booklet! Leave a comment below to tell us how your family shows gratitude or tag us @lilwoodzeez on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. For more Thanksgiving fun, check out our Thanksgiving crossword, fall scavenger hunt, and interactive kids’ story about Angus Fitzmoo and his quest for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner.
Happy Thanksgiving!
