TEACHING CHILDREN TO GIVE THANKS

With the Holidays approaching it's even more important we teach our children the importance of being grateful and giving thanks. There are numerous ways to incorporate this life-long lesson into your child's every-day life. Below are a few tips on how to teach children to give thanks.

Lead by Example. Kids are very much aware of your actions and the decisions you make. Practice being thankful in your everyday encounters and your child will pick up on it and act as you do. Use every thankful act as a learning experience for your child.

Thank-You Notes. Have your child write thank-you notes for the gifts they receive during the Holidays and continue this tradition throughout the year. Writing notes is a tangible way for children to give thanks and become involved in the giving/receiving process.

Storytime. Use books to incorporate lessons of giving thanks. You can read to your child one-on-one or make it a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Volunteer as a Family. Volunteering with your child can not only be a bonding experience but it will help them be grateful for the things they have. Some great places to volunteer include: soup kitchens, hospitals, local parks etc.

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Less Presents & More Presence

Tis' the season for gift-giving! For children this is one of the most magical times of the year full of excitement and anticipation. However, for parents the financial aspect of it may be a bit overhwelming. Encourage your children to think of gifts that aren't associated with a price tag but come from the heart.

• The Presents. Gifts don't necessarily have to be bought at the store. Help your kids bake Christmas cookies, fudge, pies or use arts and crafts to make presents that others can cherish forever. Children will enjoy the process and truly learn the meaning of gift-giving.

• Create New Family Traditions. Christmas is about family and spending- not just money, but time with our loved ones. Plan a few 'Family Nights' throughout the season. Activities can include: playing board games, watching classic Holiday movies, making decorations, or taking a family drive to look at the lights around your town.

• Prioritize Gift List. Have your child number their Christmas list with number one being the gift they would like the most. Children learn a lesson in prioritizing while parents get the inside scoop on what their kids really want for Christmas.

• Donate. Teach your child the joy of gift-giving and helping others by having them put aside toys, clothes and any items they are willing to part with to donate to those in need. Have a family volunteer day at a soup kitchen or shelter where they can see exactly who they're items are helping.

Money Skills for Children

Talking about money with your family should be a positive experience. The more openly you discuss finances with your children the more comfortable they become with money, savings and budgeting leading to more financially savvy adults.

Here are some guidelines to get you started:

• Money talks. Discuss money on an every-day basis. Whether it's running errands or planning a family trip.

• Do as I do. At the end of the day you, as a parent, have the most influence on your children.

• Every child is an individual. Each child should have a different approach to how they manage their money depending on age, preferences and personality.

• All children are equals. While each child is unique and their approaches to money should be discussed to suit them individually; both girls and boys should learn the valuable lessons in budgeting, investing, spending and saving.

• It's a family affair. Try to involve your children in some financial family decisions. For example give them vacation options with prices, share the pros and cons of each and make a decision as a family!