print view

Thanksgiving is such a special time. It’s a time to reflect on all the blessings in your life. All too often we focus on bad things and don’t take time out of our busy schedules to be thankful for our blessings. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to express these feelings.

This is the perfect time to help kids understand what Thanksgiving is all about, too. Here are a few ways to help kids learn the History of Thanksgiving.

Tell The Thanksgiving Story - Ask your kids if they know the Thanksgiving story. Unless you have taught them the story, they may not even know what Thanksgiving is about. Visit your library and check out a few interesting books about this American tradition.

Make it Interesting - While you are discussing the Thanksgiving story, make it interesting to your kids. They don’t want a boring history lesson. Bring the Thanksgiving story to life when you talk about the pilgrims and Indians. Add dialogue when you tell your kids how Thanksgiving became a national holiday during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency.

Incorporate Today Into the Thanksgiving Story - Once you’ve discussed the history of Thanksgiving with your kids, bring it full circle, back to today. Ask them what they are thankful for. Remind them of the little things we so often take for granted that kids in other countries may not have. Ask them how they can be more thankful for their blessings.

Lead by example. Write a beautiful Thanksgiving card or letter to each of your children telling them why you’re thankful for them.