I decided to try an idea that many of my friends are doing. Instead of just celebrating Thanksgiving day this month, we would do it for the whole month of November.  Every day I wanted each member of the family to say one thing that they are thankful for, and it has to be a different thing each day.  As you might guess, my kids were less than thrilled about this idea at first. i got a lot of eye rolling, and answers like “I’m thankful for everything”, or “I’m thankful for my house, my toys” etc.

I tried to do this exercise as a daily habit.  I admit, we weren’t perfectly consistent, but found time to do it most days.  Sometimes it was at the dinner table, some days at bedtime, or even in the car.  The point was to get them thinking.  I made sure to keep it positive and short, and I tried my best to be sincere and thoughtful in my thought of the day.  Over time, the kids became more creative, and started to think outside of their own little world.  I heard things like “I’m thankful I was able to help give away turkey’s and help people carry groceries to their cars”, “I’m thankful that I could give toys in a shoebox to some kids who have nothing”. 

In the end, I think the lesson is sinking in and taking root.  It was worth a little resistance and eye-rolling.  The key was to keep it short, sweet, and real 🙂