​
​The last time

​So, when was that 'last time?' Why didn't trumpets blare and fireworks explode? It should have been a momentous occasion. Why didn't I take note?

Like the last time a sleepy child crept into bed with us.... the last time I searched for missing homework... the last time I checked whether teeth had been brushed... the last time I tucked a small child into bed... so many 'last times' that had slipped by unnoticed.

Time passes so fast and moments are forgotten. And it's often only when they're gone that you realise how much you miss them...even the mess, the wall-to-wall toys.. the fingerprints on the walls.

There are ways to help you remember those special times together, the daily fun stuff that brightened your days and filled your heart.

Here are just a couple of suggestions:

* Keep a daily journal now of your day and your fun with your kids and grandkids . Here's how..
* Take photos, not just photos of family celebrations or holidays. but the little things, too- those things that are a part of family life together. Use the link below to learn more.
* Don't just take photos and forget about them. Organise them and create a photobook- perhaps one each year or a photobook with a particular theme. 
* Turn family photos into amazing family clips or movies with simple video creators like Animoto.

And... how about a simple memento to remind you of those small but busy hands? You'll find it below.
​

​A small memento

So here's a little something to help you remember those small, but important moments before they vanish forever.

Simple instructions

Print the file below- a page ready for your kids' or grandkids' hand-prints, before they're grown and gone. The small poem below  is printed on the page with space for the prints at the top. Use some water-based paints on a sponge.

​Ask your kids to press their hand on the sponge and then on the printed page. Depending on the size of your kids' hands, you may only fit one handprint on the page. That's okay. Add your memento page to a scrapbook page, a photobook , frame it, or take a photo of it and save it into your smartphone or tablet's photos.

​Disclosure: At Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.

• Make an interesting breakfast. There are plenty of great books filled with creative ideas. Funny Food Art provides inspiration as does Annabel Karmel.

 

• Involve the kids in making the breakfast. Kids love cooking and it doesn’t have to be tricky. You don’t have to make everything from scratch for them. Try a simple pancake mix. They can just add the liquid ingredients and take turns shaking the container. Packet muffin mixes are another easy option. Toasted sandwiches are easy but always popular. What about yoghurt parfaits or instant porridge with fruit?

​

• Turn breakfast into a buffet. I don’t know why, but if you provide kids with the opportunity to help themselves to food, they eat with enthusiasm. Set out a low table covered with a colourful tablecloth or table runner. Decorate the table with flowers or fruit. Add the breakfast items and food they’ve helped prepare. Encourage them to serve themselves.

Lunchtime activities
​

• Lunchtime is so much more fun with Bento boxes. These are such a fun way to pack a healthy and colourful lunch. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before.. there are plenty of examples to try.
• Even sandwiches can look special if you use sandwich cutters and food markers.

 

• Add some fun notes in each child’s lunch and make special memories.

 

• Visit your local playground or perhaps the beach.​

 

• If you’d prefer to stay home, organise a scavenger hunt. It turns a ho-hum afternoon into an exciting one.

 ​

• Rainy day? Try a Minute to Win It contest. Not only is it loads of fun, it’s really easy to set up.

 

• Once the energy levels of everyone begin to drop, how about some retro games like Chinese Checkers or Pick-up-Sticks? A super-sized floor puzzle is another option.

​

• Playdough is always entertaining, even for older kids. Add a slight twist by preparing edible dough that you can use later as pasta for dinner. Everyone loves to be able to eat their own creation. This simple recipe from Jamie Oliver is bright green but made using spinach.

After dinner fun

The fun doesn’t have to stop just because it’s getting dark and almost time for bed. Check out these ideas:

• Do you have an outdoor fire-pit? Try toasting marshmallows.

 

• Once it’s dark enough for stars, try star-gazing. Make it really comfortable with rugs and pillows. You can even use an inflatable wading pool set up with pillows and blankets. There are moon and star charts that you could download and use, too, to encourage the kids to be searching for particular stars and constellations. Even little ones will enjoy star-gazing.

 

• Gentle exercises and stretches can help your kids get to sleep. Try these fun animal poses and stretches.

 

• Don’t forget Bible reading , devotions and prayers to finish the day. Even toddlers will enjoy this special time with you. Not only is reading a great way to relax the kids, it’s a perfect way to finish off a wonderful day with your grandkids.

 

• Your children may feel a bit apprehensive in the dark.. Play soothing, restful music. A novelty nightlight is a god idea, too. I use a rainbow light that will dim after 15minutes.

Where are they going to sleep?

If you have a spare bedroom with sufficient beds, that’s great. If not, inflatable mattresses on the floor can be lots of fun. Add plenty of soft pillows and covers.

A small tent is another option and you can position it inside or on your patio or decking. I’ve found that most kids creep back inside after about an hour of outdoor camping so be prepared.​


Don’t feel that you have to attempt everything on the list. Choose those suggestions that appeal to you or your grandkids.
​

This article was first posted earlier: 30/10/2014

The first thing my grandsons do once they leap from the car is check the letterbox; although these days, there's very little to be found there other than advertising leaflets. But there's something exciting about opening the letterbox and peeking inside that never seems to dim.

Regardless of age, finding something in the letterbox personally addressed is a wonderful way to connect with your grandchildren and build memories. Yes, email is faster with little expense, but snail mail has its own appeal. And kids love it!

Continuing a tradition

My father used to send notes and cards to my children on a regular basis when they were young and they would dance around with excitement.

He'd often add little pen-drawn illustrations on the envelopes and include cryptic addressee titles along with the formal address. We'd frequently find missives addressed to 'The Moby Dick fisherman' (after my son caught his first fish) or perhaps 'Australia's best chef' (my daughter had baked a cake), and other interesting titles.

​The letters created plenty of comment and discussion with our postman,. too.

Create your own snail mail fun with your kids or grandkids.

So now, as a grandma, I try to send my own whimsical notes and letters to my grandchildren.

When I visit with them, they often drag out the old letters or cards I've sent them and ask me to read the inside messages to them again. They really do treasure those simple letters I post to them.

So.... how can you create your own snail mail fun?  What do you need to create exciting letters that will keep your grandkids eagerly watching for mail?

1. Send your cards or letters regularly
You don't need to rigidly post one letter every week on a set day and time. But if you only post your grandkids  once in a blue moon, there won't be any thought or expectation of a delivery arriving sooner or later. It's the same as when your favourite magazine is due in your letterbox early each month. You don't know exactly the day it will come but you're looking for it, expecting it, hoping for it. And when it does eventually arrive, there is eager excitement.

• Send your messages by post in fun, attractive cards and stationery.
• Be creative in how you write your messages. It doesn't have to be a long note but make it relevant.
• Try embellishing the envelopes with quirky designs or images or use stickers. They can be quite simple and your grandchildren will still love them.
• Send a card when you know they've had a rough week or been sick. Send a funny card when they've done something special or perhaps they're worried about something at school. They will love knowing that you've been thinking of them.

2. Organise stationery for kids and encourage them to write to you, too.

​You can buy stationery that your kids will love using but I've found it's not that easy to find appealing designs. And... they're often quite expensive for just a few printed sheets and envelopes.

So.. to start you off, I've included a free pack.

You can find your free stationery below. Just download the files, print and package them up as a fun letter-writing pack for your grandkids. Naturally, there are plenty of other choices and designs that you can find on AtGrandmasPlace online store. And there are other wonderful designs from Etsy. I've listed some below.

​BONUS: A special mailbox for the kids

This idea from TinyMe is a great addition!. Download, print and create a special letterbox for the kids and and set it up for their next visit. 

Set it up ready for them and watch their reactions. 

Pop some letters in the letterbox for them to find when they arrive. And, you could prepare some stationery for them to use and then post in the letterbox for themselves. You'll also find full instructions for creating this set at TinyMe.

Alternately, post the mailbox pieces to them so that they can set it up themselves at home. Then they can write and post letters to others in their family.
​
What better way to encourage kids to write- and enjoy the activity! Check it out below...

​
3. Include some little extras like stickers and stamps, or decorate the envelopes

​Sometimes, I try to slip some stickers inside the envelope as an extra highlight. The letters are more highly anticipated than ever by my oldest grand-daughter since she's taken up philately. You can find plenty of resources for kids for stamp collecting. You can even create and order your own stamps. How much fun would that create for your grandkids to find their own photo on the stamp? 

Even if you don't want to go to those lengths you can decorate the envelopes a bit. 

​I try and use the most beautiful stamps when I post cards to Rachael. And stationery packs for kids usually include some wonderful envelopes.. like the Mail Munchers pack listed below. You can find them on the AtGrandma'sPlace online store.

Download the template from TinyMe. Print and send the pieces to your grandkids or set it up ready for their next visit!
. 
Enjoy yourself with these great resources and build some memories with your grandkids.
​

Get your copy of these exciting stationery packs for kids

Each kit contains 3 different styles of stationery: a page for those kids who cannot write sentences yet. They can draw something special and then write their name at the bottom; there is a page designed with a small number of lines for kids who are learning to write but might be overwhelmed by a lot of lines to complete; and there is a full page of lines for writing but still some fun characters on the stationery page. 

There are even some fun cards. There are some monster lined envelopes. And there are some Monster Mail Munchers that can be slipped onto the top or corner of a page of stationery or even a book as a bookmark. The kits can be downloaded or ordered as a complete kit that comes in a plastic kit with some additional fun items- stickers and pencils.

(Yep... affiliate links are included which means, if you buy through me, I get some coffee money ... though not enough for the raisin toast as well. Full disclosure listed below.)

"What? I didn't know that? When did we do that?" My youngest daughter was totally mystified. We'd just enjoyed an extended family dinner and my kids had started talking about some of the activities and fun that we had enjoyed as a family when they were young. We laughed a little since we'd had this discussion on previous occasions. As the youngest, there were often things that she had forgotten, memories that she had been too young to take in and remember. 

Family memories are important. There are so many lessons and truths that are a part of learning and growing together. But memories are fickle. While some loom large and bright there are others that remain tucked into little recesses of our mind, lost and forgotten. Every so often, a comment or a photo or even a smell will pry those forgotten recollections out into the light. While it's great to remember those fun family activities, those special moments that matter, it's also great to share them with your kids and your grandkids. 

Why start a journal?

As you probably know, journaling is the practice of writing down your thoughts and feelings in a book, similar to a diary. As a grandma, a journal serves a special purpose. It provides the opportunity to journal about your life, your grandchildren, the quality time you spend with them and your family, faith and life lessons you've learned, and the ways you seek to build a legacy of faith for your kids.

There are many ways to journal and many different types of journals, from keeping  a gratitude journal you write in just 5 minutes a day, to choosing something more complex like a bullet journal.

Why start now?

While it is great to use a journal during any time of the year, there are some unique benefits to starting one in the new year. A new year feels like a new start, where you feel like you can start over, be better, and do better. This is why many New Year's resolutions are about getting healthier, being more organised, or trying to keep up with your personal and professional obligations.

But what better time to begin a Grandma's Legacy Journal! You might want to focus on those great times you spend with your grandkids and family building connection and creating memories. You might like to create your journal as a gratitude journal of those daily moments that matter for you and your grandkids. You could also create your journal as a comparison of your childhood memories and present day family life.

​What do you include? 
​
Many important events, both good and bad, happen in our lives, but unfortunately our minds can't capture every single one of those experiences. As a grandma, journaling is a great way to record your own significant memories, including life milestones such as a graduation, births of your children,  buying a first home, reaching a certain age, or becoming a grandma. Journal about the fun times with your grandkids, the funny things they do, the food they love (and hate), the book they want you to read to them over and over again.

What does creating a journal achieve?

A journal provides the opportunity to record your life and tell your life-story to your family. While it's important for you, it's equally important for your kids, keeping track of those important family memories- those moments that matter. Keeping a journal has also been found to increase your creativity.

 If you’ve never considered keeping a journal, reconsider today.
​

Getting Perspective

It's a sad fact that we don't remember all events equally. We tend to remember bad things more clearly than good things, and our emotional responses to events can change the way that we remember them over time. You can avoid that problem by writing things down in your journal and looking through them later. 

It will help you paint a picture of events as they really happened, which can give you valuable perspective on the balance of good and bad things in your life. It's just like looking at history to get a better grasp on how well the world is doing at the moment, but at a personal level.

Tracking Success

Your journal can also help if you find yourself getting discouraged when you try new things. That often happens when people focus on their failures and ignore their successes. If you write down your victories as they happen, you will get a clear record of your success. Sometimes, growing old can be discouraging. A journal can help you track everything- experiences, lessons learned, failures and triumphs- and help you remember all those things you have achieved. That will act as proof that you can succeed at things, and looking at that proof will be a powerful motivator when you feel discouraged in life.

It is a really amazing way to keep track of your New Year's resolutions or new habits that you may aim to develop, too, no matter what they are, so that alone is a good reason to start your journal now.

​Still with me? Convinced? Well.. you may be wondering just how to start.

​

Here are a few great suggestions for your new journal: 

Check out the following ideas but don't just stick with these. There are other options and ideas that may suit you. Just decide your needs, and what is the most comfortable and convenient format for your needs.

1. Grandma's Memory Journal

Most people forget things far more often than they realise. Keeping a journal will give you an opportunity to take notes on your life while you still remember things clearly. You can check back and add more details later. At a practical level, this will make sure that you can remember any good ideas that you have for when you have time to pursue them. At an emotional level, it will keep a record of the good times in your life so that you can look back on them when things are a little bit harder. And it will be a practical way to share your memories, life lessons and moments that matter with your family.

Use your journal to boost your memory and create a journal that becomes a legacy to pass on to your children and grandkids. This is the traditional type of legacy journal- and it's a wonderful family legacy to hand down to your kids and grandkids. You can buy a simple notebook or one of the the beautiful writing journals available in newsagents or bookstores. You can also find journals that are specifically designed as legacy journals and often include questions or ideas to prompt your writing and help you include meaningful recollections and family content. (see samples below)

Get started now with a FREE journal.. Just click the image below to download your copy of this Grandma's Memory Journal from AtGrandmasPlace. You'll find 30+ lined pages. Print and slip into a folder, ring binder or take to the printers for spinal binding.
​

​2.  A Day with Grandma Legacy Journal

Want to lose a few kilos or start a new business? How about something simple like, cooking biscuits for your grandkids. Writing down personal goals, including step by step lists of how to reach those goals, combining a planner with a journal, is a great way to make use of a journal in the new year. ​Even favourite family recipes and when you prepare them is a great memory and a wonderful feature to include in your journal How about how you spend your day? What about recording your creative talent? Here's a journal that you can use that will do all that and more.
​

3. Grandma's Gratitude Journal

In the midst of life's challenges, maintaining a journal listing of all the things you have to be grateful for can be especially helpful. But hardship or trials aren't required to keep such a list; jotting down expressions of gratitude, no matter how small, on a daily or weekly basis can help keep life in perspective through good times as well as bad. 

​Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have amassed a body of research on the benefits of gratitude exercises. Being grateful can be an incredible way to cope with stress, making you more resilient to begin with when facing stressors.

There are simple strategies to nurture and increase feelings of gratitude in yourself, which can be easily be incorporated into your daily schedule by taking 5 minutes each day to document your progress in a gratitude journal. 

​And these journal entries are a wonderful part of your legacy to share with your family.

4. Grandma's Journal of Quotes

Kids say such funny things. They mix up words. They mispronounce words. They say things that are cute, endearing and sometimes, amazing. Although we often think that we will never forget a funny  or cute memory, sadly, we do- often. Get in the habit of writing them down in a journal so you can reflect on them whenever you need or want.

Don't just stick to kids' quotes. There are a wealth of memories built into simple yet meaningful, or humorous, comments made by family. Take time to record these in your Journal of Family Quotes.

5. Grandma's Bible Journal

A Bible journal is another option that you might like to consider. This style of legacy journal involves a journal Bible with areas for writing or art journaling to record, illustrate and share your inspiration, ideas and memories. It's a wonderful way to create a legacy, not just of memories and experiences, but also how verses and Bible passages became real in your life. While the life stories of Bible characters unfold, your own journal entries can show God's love, care and protection within your life and your family. This makes a legacy journal that has special meaning for you and your family. You can write your story within God's Bible story.

Check out theIncourage Devotion Bible. This journal Bible provides plenty of space for your journaling at the bottom of each page. There is also a Bible art journaling kit available to use with this devotion Bible if you want to illustrate and write your legacy. 

BONUS....
​
Oh.. and for something a little different, check out below for a sketching/journaling idea for those of you who are artistic and like to include a bit more of just who you are in your legacy journal-   Draw your Day and include journaling for an amazing creative legacy journal. See below/
​

​Disclosure: At Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.

'This post was originally published in Nov 2017. It was updated in December 2018 to include updated information I wanted to share with you.'
​(Yep... affiliate links are included which means, if you buy through me, I get some coffee money ... though not enough for the raisin toast as well. Full disclosure listed below.)

​Easy ways to make an Advent Calendar part of your Christmas tradition

Counting down to Christmas is always so much fun.. especially for kids. And an Advent Calendar really helps to make that lead-up time to Christmas more tangible, more meaningful. It also means that you don't have to answer the ongoing question, "How long until Christmas? When can we unwrap all the presents?"

Why use an Advent calendar?

Sure, an advent calendar looks great as part of your festive decorations as you gradually add, day by day, to the finished calendar. And, it can add to the Christmas fun. But I found that, although there are many calendars with Superhero, Princess or Lego themes there are rarely ones that remind kids of the real Christmas story. And the last majority of any commercially presented ones I discovered had really cheesy graphics. 

Never fear..Advent calendars can be found that will keep the focus of Christmas on the birth of the Saviour. And, depending on your choice of calendar, it can help your kids focus on the joy of giving and serving others, too. But these are more difficult to find than you might imagine.

What do I need to consider when choosing an advent calendar?
​
Well, there are some commercially prepared advent calendars that are lovely. Some would make lovely gift ideas for friends or family. Some commercially prepared advent calendars present small gifts for each day leading up to Christmas. Some are simple thin boxes with perforated windows with a hidden recess for a small chocolate for each day leading up to Christmas. Others are books with windows or flaps to reveal something of the nativity story as Christmas approaches.

Create a family tradition- your own advent calendar

But an advent calendar is even more meaningful if you can make it yourself and personalise it as a family legacy. The treats and activities created for and added to your advent calendar can revolve around the interests, activities and favourite choices of your family. And you don't have to dash off to the shop to find it. Most of the ones I've listed below can be downloaded and printed. ​

And you can create variations for each year.

​So, here are a number of such suggestions listed below that you might like to consider. There are 5 selections listed below. (But read through to the end to find with a bonus calendar ready to download, print and create. There is also a FREE dainty decoration design to print and use on your own tree. Find it following the article.)

Then you'll discover:
1. O Holy Night Advent calendar- gradually create your own nativity scene as you countdown to Christmas. 
​2. Share the Love Advent Calendar- count down to Christmas with simple ideas to share the joy of the season with others.
3. The Wonder of the Greatest Love- a beautiful pop-up book with 25 daily readings plus little decorations to hang on the pop-up tree. ​
4. An Illustrated Advent Calendar- download and print this calendar of illustrations to colour, games and activities
5. Muffin Tin Advent Calendar- This is a bit of fun..Simply print these out at home. Then stick adhesive magnet paper to the back of the cardstock and cut the circles out. They will fit perfectly over a 24 count mini muffin tin. Just fill with candy and you're done! 

Find these and more below....

​
​1. O Holy Night Advent Calendar
​
FocusontheFamily has produced a free advent calendar, O Holy Night, plus instructions for an advent wreath. 
Download and print the calendar. Then highlight each day leading up to Christmas with a character from the nativity story plus a Scripture reading and devotion. Beginning December 3, your advent calendar builds a nativity scene with the daily characters from the advent calendar.

You'll also find a suggestion for creating an advent wreath to remind your family of God's never-ending faithfulness.

​2. Share the love advent calendar:
This resource from iMom focuses on building a legacy of giving with your family.

Each day you'll find sweet and selfless ideas to help your kids experience real Christmas joy through the spirit of giving.  

3. The Wonder of the Greatest Gift

'This is an heirloom,  a Christmas tradition, a wonder for the child in all of us!'
​
​The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp is a beautiful pop-up book with 25 daily readings plus little decorations to hang on the pop-up tree. 'Read your daily love letter from The Greatest Story ever told, right from our genesis beginning to our King’s coming under Bethlehem’s star — so your people know the WHOLE GREATEST STORY, from Creation to His Coming, & how His love has always, always, always been coming for you!'

4. An Illustrated Advent for Families
This advent pack includes 5 weeks of family devotions that focus on a different carol each week.

There are 5 colouring pages that combine to tell the story of Jesus' birth and the advent calendar with fun family activities.

Instructions for creating and  illustrated advent wreath with paper candles complete the fun family advent pack.

5. The Muffin Tin advent calendar:

This one from Etsy is just a bit of fun. Includes 24 adorable numbered circles. Simply print these out at home on white cardstock. Then stick adhesive magnet paper to the back of the cardstock and cut the circles out. They will fit perfectly over a 24 count mini muffin tin. 

​Here are some more ideas that you might like to consider.

The Dainty Bauble Advent Calendar 

This calendar (find the link for this advent calendar below) is easy to print and create. Check out the simple directions below. Use the back of the decoration to either: a. write a Scripture verse on the reverse b.include a fun activity c. provide instructions or clues to find a hidden treat or d. include all ideas.

You might decide to just attach a small wrapped chocolate or treat to the reverse of the decoration. Or you may keep it simple and glue a second copy of the decoration to the reverse for extra strength and durability.

However you decide to personalise it, this advent calendar combines the elegance of the past with the  energy and minimalism of the future. It's sure to become a family treasure.

What you'll need:

*Download and print the files for the 25 decorations. (Print onto a good quality card. You might also want to consider a good parchment or linen textured card.)
*silver cording for the hanger and perhaps paper clips.
* double-sided tape and normal tape.
*small Christmas tree that will look attractive on the table or side table.

Directions:

1. Download, print and cut out each of the 25 advent calendar decorations.
Use a good quality card and it looks even better if it has a light texture. Print and cut out a second copy if you intend to back each decoration with its twin. It means that it looks great even if the wind blows the decoration to reveal the back. Leave the back blank if you intend writing something on the back or attaching a small treat.

2. Cut a hole in each tab and thread a small piece of silver cord through the hole as the hanger. 

​3. Make a paper clip hanger if you'd prefer.
If you prefer to have a hanger that's a big more substantial (especially if your kids will be hanging the decorations) you might like to use a paper clip for each decoration. Just tape the paper clip on the back with the loop just visible above the rim of the decoration.

​Use a second copy of the decoration and attach on the back to cover the taped paper clip. I used double-sided tape. it's just a bit neater. Sometimes glue can cause the card to slightly buckle. Now slip a piece of thin cord through the loop of the paper clip as the hanger.

​4. Use the reverse side for a message or gift.
You don't have to add anything else but if you want, you can write a Scripture verse on the back or a clue to where to find the day's treat. You can also decide on a fun activity for each day: sing your favourite Christmas carol, go out for ice-cream, decorate a gingerbread cottage.. If you don't want to add that info on the back of the decoration, just use slips of paper with the activity or treat written on each piece. Pop all of the papers into a small bucket or container. Your kids can reach in and choose one each day to read and complete.

5. Create a special area for your Advent tree calendar
Set up your small tabletop Christmas tree and start adding one decoration each day leading up to Christmas Day. I found an inexpensive tree at Kmart for about $10. There was a lovely natural-looking bare tree at another store but it was expensive. I think you could make something similar with a good sized branch set into a pot of plaster of Paris. 
​
So.. that's about it.... pretty simple... and you can check out the summary slideshow below. 

Oh... and you can find also a FREE pair of Christmas decorations to download and print for your own Christmas tree. Normally, these vintage-inspired decorations would cost $4.95 but they're free for you to download, print and use. See below.

Disclosure: At Grandma's Place is committed to high standards of integrity and quality. I do not promote any brand I do not believe meets these standards, and I only promote brands I would purchase myself. If I don't love it, and don't think you'll love it, it won't appear on my blog.
​

I remember when my granddaughter was little, perhaps 2 years old, she would wake early and dance happily down the hallway. Then she would stop, cover her mouth with her hand, and make a noise that was half a cough and half a clearing-her-throat type of noise.

We were all mystified for a while. Did she have a cold? Was she coming down with something? 

Then one morning, my daughter came to the end of the hallway and stopped. She frowned, put her hand over her mouth and made the same sound as Rachael. "Ahh.. this sinus so annoys me," she muttered. And the light dawned.

Rachael didn't have a sore throat. She didn't have a cold. She was copying her mother, who struggles with asthma and sinus. She's had it since she was little herself. Little Rachael just did exactly what her mother did, almost every morning.

Kids copy their parents almost without thinking. And gratitude is no exception. The best way to develop thankfulness in our kids is for us to show gratitude first. But there are other worthwhile strategies to encourage your kids to be more thankful. Check out some of these ideas that follow.

It also means thanking anyone who presents me with a gift. Sending out a thank you card is important, too, and something that kids should be encouraged to do themselves. Model Elle Macpherson expects her children to promptly send a thank you card for any gifts. Here's what she expects and the consequences she initiates if thankfulness is overlooked. ​

Your kids might be more enthusiastic about writing thank you cards with these printable cards they can complete themselves.

When I take care of the things I have, I'm demonstrating thankfulness for my own possessions and encouraging my kids/grandkids to do the same. It's another way to help kids appreciate what they already have. 

Some parents find it helpful to regularly ask their kids to sort through their possessions and decide which ones are not used much and could be donated to other children who have little themselves.

3. Learn to think about others.
This might be as simple as encouraging your kids to compliment others who have worked hard to finish a special project. Perhaps they've won an award. Maybe they've achieved an important milestone. Talk about it and expect your kids to be encouraging.

Spend time together to help someone less fortunate. There's nothing quite like seeing how others are struggling to encourage thankfulness in our kids. Sure, it's good to talk about the difficulties others may be facing but it's so much more meaningful when they experience it firsthand. So volunteer together. Take time together to help out in the community. There's no reason why kids can't be more proactive in volunteering and helping others in practical ways.. 

4. Look for amazing moments that happen throughout the day and share your gratitude.

Turn dinner into an opportunity to share the special moments from the day with the whole family. Encourage your kids to list the things that happened to them, things they saw, that made them feel thankful. 

Create a family gratitude list or journal, or a thankfulness tree or a thankfulness jar,

Money-saving Mom has a free printable 31-day Gratitude Journal for Kids that you might like to download and use, too.

​5. Link your thankfulness back to God, reminding your children about His love and care for us and remembering to thank Him.

Take gratitude walks together and look for things for which you're thankful- warm sunshine, shady trees, the songs of cheerful birds, funny little caterpillars and more. Encourage your kids to do more than just list things they see but to also determine why they're thankful. For example, I thank God that  made each bird with its own song, and that not every bird sounds like a crow. :). The birds sound beautiful and helps me identify a bird before I even see it. But it reminds me, too, that He made me unique and special, too. 

Always look for the positive. Not everything is going to go well but look at those difficult times as teachable moments, times when you can show your kids that God's hand is in everything even when we can't see it. Yet we can still thank God. Perhaps it rains when you'd planned a trip to the beach. The rain will benefit the farmers who need rain for the strawberry crop- yum! And it might be a great time, instead, to go to the cinema for that movie you'd all wanted to see. These are wonderful opportunities to practise turning complaints into praise.

Okay.. so what about some other fun, family, ideas to focus on and encourage gratitude? Check out these suggestions:
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* Learn how to make Gratitude Stones
* Go on a Scavenger Photo Hunt together.
* Make a Kindness ChatterBox (cootie catcher)
* Play a game of Gratitude Pick-up Sticks
* Create and hang up some Thankfulness Wind Spinners
* Smile it Forward with printable Kindness Activities for kids
* 7-Day Gratitude Challenge for Kids

Today, my choice is to foster a genuine sense of gratitude in the hearts of my children that goes beyond a simple habit of being polite. I'll seek to teach my children to use their manners to give thanks but also have a deep appreciation for others. Check out the questions below for reflection.
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Self-Reflection Questions: 
1. Do I demonstrate gratitude in the way I care for my possessions?
2. How can I foster a deep sense of gratitude in my children beyond simply giving thanks? 
3. Why is it best to limit the amount of things I buy for my children? 
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