There’s a seemingly infinite list of things we need to teach our children. However, there is one thing that is pushing the top of the list — a thankful heart. In a world that is screaming, “I want more, I want it now, and I want it easy!” we as mothers need to take every opportunity to demonstrate thankfulness and instill it in our children’s hearts and minds.

Teaching what thankfulness is and modeling it will be a life-long task for us. Our children will be learning from us all their days. When they are little, they see and hear us respond to everyday events, learning how they should respond. When they are older they will be doing the same!

Here are some ways to cultivate a thankful heart in ourselves and our children, by . . .

. . . reading and gratefully trusting in God’s word.

. . . explaining Scripture passages to our children, like James 1, Colossians 3:15-16, etc.

. . . taking those Scriptures to heart and living them before our children.

. . . talking about what you are thankful for.

. . . praising and thanking God for all things, whether they are obvious or hidden blessings, even in trials.

. . . keeping a list of things you are thankful for everyday. Turn it into a life-long habit.

I like to have visual reminders in my home and so this Thankful tree is a wonderful way for my family and guests to remember to be thankful. This year we used special gift tags that my friend, Dawn from My Threshing Floor, made for me. And  they can be reused for so many different projects or gifts!

With Thanksgiving upon us, this is the perfect time to really put these into practice. Looking at the past and being thankful for the heritage that He has given us and looking to the future knowing that all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called by His name.

This year many of my friends, family members, and myself included, faced life threatening or debilitating diseases and trials. He is merciful and shows His greatness and mercy through these times. Is this not the perfect time to thank the Lord for His mercies? James 1 tells us to, “Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness”. What a blessing it is to know that our trials can produce steadfastness in the Lord. For that I am abundantly thankful!

We made this Thankful Tree two years ago and used scrapbook paper to write what we were thankful for. We had extra circles cut out and let guests write what they were thankful for and add it to our tree. It was a blessing to include others in our celebrating!

What are you thankful for? What ways do you teach your children thankfulness?