Counselor's Corner

A Message From Our School Counselor

Tanya Stuhaug

November 10, 2021

NOVEMBER IS ABOUT MORE THAN TURKEY! 

The holiday many of us celebrate this month is a perfect time of the year to talk about and teach gratitude. It’s in the name! Thanksgiving = giving thanks. Here are a few simple ways to instill thankfulness in young children:  

  • Ask your children about the highs and lows of their school day. What went well? What went right? Focus on appreciating the positive. 

  • Thank your children often, even if they’re doing required chores or activities you requested of them. Let them know you notice and appreciate their effort!  

  • Encourage your children to write or draw thank you notes or pictures to friends, family, teachers, etc.

  • Point out how others have helped your children – someone holding the door open, a friend helping your child tie his/her shoe, a teacher giving extra time to make sure your child understood the lesson, etc.

  • Volunteer with your child--help out at a local non-profit agency.  

  • Look for awe-inspiring moments in your day!  Point out the things around you that are positive (sunny, warm weather; fall leaves, nature)

Why is teaching and modeling gratitude so important? 

Being able to recognize and appreciate the good things in your life can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction. For children especially, learning how to be thankful can help in the development of interpersonal skills, including the ‘big’ one – empathy. Gratitude lends itself to expanding our worldview. When we’re thankful for even the small things, we’re thinking of more than just ourselves; we’re thinking about how all of us have the ability to positively impact someone else’s  life. Gratitude is powerful! 

(Watson, Rita; 2013: Psychology Today)

Check out these books about giving thanks! 

  • Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes 

  • The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

  • Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Jake Swamp 

  • Gratitude Soup by Olivia Rosewood

  • The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood 

  • Just So Thankful by Mercer Mayer 

  • Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen 

  • The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

  • Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson