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Thanksgiving is one of the most special times of the year. It’s the perfect time to think back and remember all the blessings we have in our lives. It’s a shame that most of the time, our focus is on the bad things that come our way. Seldom do we really take some quiet time to contemplate on all the good that has happened throughout our lives. This Thanksgiving, reflect on the past and appreciate what you have.

Kids need to understand what Thanksgiving is all about too. It’s not just a time to cook turkey and eat pumpkin pie with friends and family. Below are a few ways to help educate your kids about the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Tell The Thanksgiving Story – Ask your kids if they know the Thanksgiving story. Unless you have taught them the story, they may not even know what Thanksgiving is all about. Visit your library and check out a few interesting books about this American tradition.

Incorporate Today Into the Thanksgiving Story – Once you’ve discussed the history of Thanksgiving with your kids, bring it full circle, back to today. Ask them what they are thankful for. Remind them of the little things we so often take for granted that many third-world countries do not have. Ask them how they can be more thankful for the things they have.

Make it Interesting – While you are discussing the Thanksgiving story, make it interesting to your kids. They don’t want a boring history lesson. Bring the Thanksgiving story to life when you talk about the pilgrims and Indians. Add dialogue when you tell your kids how Thanksgiving became a national holiday during Abraham Lincolns presidency. Bring the Thanksgiving story to life.

The most important thing to do is to lead by example. Here’s a thought – why don’t you write a beautiful Thanksgiving letter to each of your children and spouse telling them why you are thankful for them.