This month, we’re #KeepingChildhoodFun for all kids and teaching gratitude by giving back. There are all kinds of ways you and your family can give back this holiday season… like donating your clean, gently used coats to KidSnips for the Chicago Bears Coat Drive. And we’ll give you a $5 off coupon that you can use toward any in-store toys or merchandise.
Thanksgiving is on its way — and what better time of year to teach your kids all about being thankful? And while manners are always encouraged, thankfulness is more than just a hasty “please” and “thank you” when your child finally gets those cookies they’ve been eyeing all day. Gratitude isn’t easy, even for adults. It’s something your kids will probably be working on for their whole lives. That’s why it’s important to start teaching them small actions they can do now to reflect on all the good in their little lives. Here are four activities you can do together to help them begin to develop their sense of gratitude.
1. Keep a gratitude jar.
Gratitude jars are a great way to get your kids thinking about finding the good in each day — and it’s a practice they can continue throughout their life. Before bedtime, ask your child to think about their day and choose one thing they’re thankful for. It could be that they got a good grade on a test, had a fun playdate with a friend, or maybe they were just happy that the sun was shining. Write their thoughts on a slip of paper and put it in the gratitude jar. At the end of the year, you can read through the notes together and reflect on how many good things happened over the year — and how much there is to be grateful for, even on bad days.
2. Write thank you cards.
Thank you cards aren’t just for birthdays or Christmas — your kids can write them at any time of year. Choose a group of people, like your child’s class, their immediate family, or their group of close friends. Then, have them think about what they appreciate about each person in the group and write special notes for them. They’ll also learn kindness by finding something they enjoy about their classmates or siblings who they may not get along with.
3. Give a gift.
Gifts are a great way to show gratitude! Tell your child they can choose one person who is extra special to them, then help them make a gift. Ask your child to think hard about what that person would enjoy receiving, like a drawing of their favorite animal or a tomato from the garden. Then, they can give their special person the present and see how happy it makes them.
4. Help someone who needs it.
Giving back helps kids understand that not everyone has a loving family, a roof over their heads, and good friends to support them. It’s important to talk to your kids about poverty so they understand that not all kids and families are the same… and so they can grasp the importance of helping those in need.
There are tons of ways you and your family can give back this season — like donating a coat to a KidSnips hair salon for the Chicago Bears Coat Drive. We’re collecting coats to support kids and families who might not be able to stay warm on their own this winter. And you don’t need to schedule a kid’s haircut to donate. We’ll show how grateful we are for YOU by giving you a $5 coupon toward any in-store toy or product.
Note: Coat donations accepted October 20 – November 20, 2019. Acceptance of donations is up to the discretion of KidSnips. Coupon good for $5 off any in-store toys or merchandise. Coupon valid through March 1, 2020. Maximum three coupons per family. No haircut necessary. Not valid with any other offers.
