5 Ways to Say Thanks Through Giving

We're wrapping up the "Thanks, Dad!" campaign this week. This month, we’ve given you ideas for raising a thankful child, showing thankfulness in your home, creating a memorable Thanksgiving and now we want to be sure your family is ready to continue living thankful lives beyond the Thanksgiving holiday!

We hope you've been inspired by the tips we've provided this month. We also hope your family conintues to be thankful beyond the holiday season. One of the best ways to express thankfulness is to give to others! 

Check out the 5 ways of saying thanks through giving and be intentional about using these with your kids today.

1. Give Your Time: Whether it's volunteering at the local homeless shelter, participating in a community clean-up day or taking an hour to make cookies for your neighbors, investing time to help or encourage others is a great way to cultivate a thankful attitude or to say thanks to those who have helped you. When you take time to get your kids involved in the process, they will have fun and you will connect as a family as well!
2. Give Your Talents: If your kids have musical talent, nursing or retirement homes always welcome having young people play or sing for their residents. If you're a handyman, offer to help a single mom in your neighborhood with some "honey-dos" and bring your kids along to help. There's an opportunity to serve for every kind of talent!
3. Give Your Things: A couple times a year, encourage your kids to sort their clothes, books, and toys and set aside items in good condition to donate to a homeless shelter. This will help your kids realize how much they have to be thankful for and to experience the joy of giving to others who have less than them.
4. Give Your Thoughts: Encourage your children to take a moment to say something thoughtful to the people around them, whether it's "thanks," "you look nice today," or "I appreciate your friendship." Set the example by regularly saying thoughtful and encouraging things to your family members and others. Remember, this starts with the parent! How you talk and interact with people automatically teaches your children to react the same way. 
5. Give Your Treasure: Supporting charitable causes financially is an important way to give. Encourage your children to donate a portion of their allowance or income to a specific cause. Talk with your kids about the charitable organizations you contribute to and why you chose those groups.

As you and your children give, you will find it easier to notice all the things you can be thankful for in your life. Start saying "thanks" by giving today!

Visit our "Thanks, Dad!" page for more on how you can connect with your family and other dads just like you!

photo credit: Tim Green aka atoach