Teaching My Children the Spirit of Giving Back This Thanksgiving

Pumpkin spice lattes and holiday decorations signal that the holiday season is officially here! With all of the distractions of Black Friday blowouts and endless sales, it’s easy to forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving. As parents of 3 young children (a 7-year-old son and 4-year-old twin daughters), my wife and I often find ourselves working to keep our kids focused on what really matters during this time of year.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives and to share those blessings with others. We see this holiday as an invaluable opportunity to instill in our children the values of gratitude and giving back. By engaging them in meaningful acts of kindness, we hope to teach them that Thanksgiving is not just about enjoying good food and family, but also about showing compassion to those in need.

One of the first lessons I want my children to understand is that gratitude is more than words—it’s action. To help them see this, we’ll plan family activities focused on giving. For example, we’ll assemble care packages for families in need. My 7-year-old can help select canned goods, while my twins can add small items like socks or toiletries to the packages. Through this process, they’ll learn how even small contributions can make a big difference in someone else’s holiday.

To make the lesson more relatable, we’ll talk about why we give. I’ll ask questions like, “How would you feel if you didn’t have food or a warm place to stay?” and then explain how our actions help others. Even at their young ages, children are naturally compassionate, and this conversation will deepen their understanding of why giving is so important.

To keep the spirit of giving alive beyond Thanksgiving, we’ll create a “Kindness Calendar” with daily acts of kindness—donating toys, baking treats, or helping a neighbor. This will show them that gratitude and generosity are values to carry year-round.

By teaching our children to give back this Thanksgiving, we hope to nurture their sense of gratitude and compassion. More importantly, we want them to grow into individuals who recognize their ability to make a positive impact on the world around them. After all, the true essence of Thanksgiving lies not just in receiving blessings but in sharing them.

We’re grateful for the trust and support of our clients and wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving filled with joy and connection.