By Jennifer Landrieu, Director
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
– 1 Chronicles 16:34
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, you’ll hear our children talking about what they’re thankful for. You may hear Thanksgiving prayers to God for Mommies and Daddies, festive songs celebrating friendships, love, and sharing, or grace before snack… “Thank You God for everything!”
Being thankful is a learned behavior, so we offer our Preschoolers many opportunities to practice giving thanks. Here are some ways you can encourage your child to have a grateful heart:
- Grace: Before eating a meal, you can give thanks to God by saying grace. Your child can add their thanks to an adult led prayer or you can say this one that we use at the Preschool:
Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for birds that sing,
Thank you, God, for everything! - Sharing: Children grow up and right out of smaller clothing so quickly! Check your closets for clothes, coats, and shoes that your child won’t use any longer and donate them to the “Children’s Clothing Challenge” bins in Fellowship Hall. The clothes are given to needy families in Somerset County.
- Thanking Others: Whenever your child receives a gift, encourage them to send a picture or note to show their thanks.
- Modeling Gratitude: Parents can show their children they’re thankful for others by offering thanks to their child when they assist in small tasks, offering thanks to cashiers that help check them out, or offering thanks to a neighbor who helped get the mail in when they were away.