Teaching Toddlers to Give Thanks

In the name of full disclosure, I must admit that explaining a concept like Thanksgiving to my two toddlers kind of makes me want to pull all my hair out, strand by strand. But I know that as a parent, it’s my job to teach my toddlers to give thanks, among other things. Because while the big turkey dinner is an integral part of our modern-day celebrations, there’s so much more to be gleaned from this day. And when all else fails, there’s always A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving!

So here are three simple Thanksgiving crafts for kids to kick-start the conversation with your toddler.

Thanksgiving Coloring Page Place Mats

Here’s what you’ll need: 

1. Click here to download and print a FREE Thanksgiving coloring page from Kids Activities Blog
2. Crayons or markers for coloring
3. A laminating machine (optional)

Here’s how you do it: 

Have your child color the placemat any way she chooses. Then, you can laminate it and use it for Thanksgiving dinner. These would be perfect for “dressing up” the kiddos’ table. While she colors, explain that we are making placemats for a special family meal. Tell her that a special meal is wonderful to share with people we love and appreciate. Tell her that a special meal calls for some special decorations, and that’s why we’re making these placemats. We want our table to look its best for our family and friends, and we want to give thanks for those people.

Little Turkey Handprints

Here’s what you’ll need: 

1. A piece of construction paper and/or poster board
2. A pencil for tracing, finger paint, markers, or crayons for coloring
3. Scissors for cutting

Here’s how you do it: 

Using a pencil, trace your child’s hand onto the construction paper or poster board. Feel free to outline the handprint in marker. Then, allow him to fill in the “turkey” any way he wants. Help him add eyes, legs, wings — anything he’d like using a marker. Cut out the turkey and place him in a prominent position in your home. Every time your toddler points out the turkey, remind him that he made the turkey for Thanksgiving. Ask him to share something for which he is thankful. This will probably turn into a game. You know how toddlers love repetition!

Scrapbook Paper Feather Headbands

Here’s what you’ll need: 

1. Construction paper for the headband (or anything else you’d like to use)
2. Several sheets of colorful scrapbook paper
3. Scissors for cutting
4. A glue stick
5. A “feather” stencil (which can be printed from a simple Google search for free)

Here’s how you do it: 

Trace the feather stencil onto the sheets of scrapbook paper. You can do all the same color or mix it with different patterns and prints. If you’re feeling patient, allow your toddler to choose and help you trace. Cut out the feathers and glue them to the headband (a strip of construction paper that goes around the top of her head). This is a great time to talk to her about the pilgrims who came to America for religious freedom and the Native American friends they made here. Tell her the pilgrims and the Native Americans shared the very first Thanksgiving together, and that’s why we celebrate every year. If you ask me, this is a great time to break out the Charlie Brown!

What other practical ways can you teach toddlers how to give thanks at Thanksgiving? We’d love to hear your thoughts!