As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, November and Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and reflect on all the wonderful things in our lives. At Keystone Childcare Center, we understand teaching gratitude to babies and toddlers happens through modeling appreciation, creating joyful moments, and recognizing the good things that happen every day. This month, we encourage our families to celebrate thankfulness with these simple, heartfelt activities and family-friendly volunteering ideas.
Simple At-Home Gratitude Activities
Even before they can talk, babies and toddlers are learning by example. These activities are designed to be hands-on and centered around growing your family bonds.
- The Thankful Basket: Gather a small basket and fill it with simple things your child enjoys: a favorite soft toy, a cozy blanket, books or brightly colored blocks. As you show each item, name it and say, “We are so thankful for our soft bunny because it gives great cuddles!”
- Picture Book Gratitude: Create a simple photo album of friends and family. As you look at the book together, point and say, “We’re thankful for Daddy because he plays peek-a-boo!”
- The Gratitude Walk: Take a short walk around your neighborhood or a local park. Encourage your toddler to point out things they notice. You can name the things you are thankful for: “I’m thankful for the pretty red leaves!” or “I’m thankful for the sunshine that keeps us warm!”
- “Thank You” Songs and Rhymes: Make up a simple, silly song about gratitude. Use a familiar tune and replace the words with expressions of thanks. Example: (To the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”) “Thank you, thank you, for our shoes, thank you for the food we choose!” Talking through and describing the details of your times together builds their vocabulary and deepens your bonds.
- Bedtime Reflection: End the day with a Gratitude Cuddle. As you hold your little one, quietly share one or two simple things you were grateful for from that day—their infectious giggle, a yummy meal, or a hug. This models the habit of reflection and fosters security in sharing together.
- Home-made Thank You Cards: Gather crayons and paper. Help your toddler make simple, colorful drawings. You can add a note that says, “Thank you for all you do!” and deliver them to your mail carrier, sanitation worker, pastor, or anyone who helped your family recently.
- The Clean-Up Crew: Model thankfulness for your home by tidying up toys that are no longer played with. Involve your toddler in putting toys into a “giving box” and explain, “We have so many toys! Let’s share some with friends who don’t have as many.” Drop off items together as a family at a local shelter or non-profit.
Giving Back Can Be Toddler-Friendly!
Volunteering helps children understand that thankfulness leads to action—sharing our blessings with others. With little ones, look for volunteering opportunities that are well structured and have a shorter time commitment- not too close to nap time- to be more enjoyable for all involved.
- Host a Diaper Drive: The National Diaper Bank Network has resources to sign up to host and collect diapers for families in need in your community. Have your toddler decorate a large box and fill it with new diaper packs.
- Canned Food Collection: While older children can sort, even a toddler can place non-perishable food items into a donation box at home. Make it a fun game to put the cans in the box, and take them with you to drop off at a local church or community pantry.
- Pack a shoebox for underserved children through Operation Christmas Child: Gather a few small toys, school supplies, practical necessities and include a letter from your family to bless a child or 2 in need.
- Local Animal Shelters: Contact your local humane society. They often accept donations of old towels, blankets, or pet food, which you and your child can drop off during their operating hours. Or check to see if they are looking for volunteers to foster animals temporarily.
- Children’s Hospital: Contact your local Children’s Hospital as they often have wish lists for toys, books, and craft supplies for their patients. Shopping for new items to donate together is a wonderful way to teach compassion.
Teaching gratitude is a continuous journey! By weaving these simple, heartfelt moments into your daily routine, you are helping your little one grow a thankful heart.
This Thanksgiving, we are most thankful for YOU! Schedule a tour at Keystone Childcare Center today. We look forward to hearing your favorite ideas and traditions to practice thankfulness at home this season.