This is a time of year when kids are called upon to give thanks, but many don't truly know how to express gratitude. Thanksgiving is a great time to teach children why it's important to give of themselves and to say thank you, regardless of the time of year. Incorporating new family traditions or extrapolating on those that already exist are great ways to do that. {relatedarticles}You also can use some of the free time they have off from school to teach them how to express their thanks by writing thank-you notes or showing gratitude in other ways. Many families begin the Thanksgiving meal with each participant saying what he or she is thankful for. Why not add one everyday thing, such as a blue sky or nighttime kiss, to the list? It reminds children to be grateful for not just the special things in life, but the little things that bring joy. The list of thanks can be used to help others who may not have the same things to give thanks for.

Kids may list "toys" as an item for which they're thankful; ask them to gather toys that they seldom use or ones they've outgrown, and allow them to help you donate them to disadvantaged children.{relatedarticles} If you buy toys for children or "adopt" a needy family for the holidays, involve your children in the process. Likewise, if someone is thankful for having good food, you can involve your child in canned food drives and other efforts to gather food for the needy. Give your kids a few pointers about writing thank-you notes as you spend time at home this season. It will prep them for the influx of Christmas gifts that are sure to come and helps foster an appreciation for gifts given throughout the rest of the year.