This lets your child know that you noticed what he did, and it shows him how to respond when you do something for him. Another way to encourage children to express their thanks is to let them see you expressing it to others. If your child sees you write a thank-you note for a gift, she is more likely to do the same thing herself. Reserve time the day after the holiday to sit down and write notes to those who gave you gifts. If you teach this as a family tradition, it's more likely that your children will accept it and follow through.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to have a family time of thanks.
Before the traditional meal ask each person at the table to share something for which he or she is thankful. Counting your blessings will make you feel better and will help the family to draw closer. The holiday season is also a wonderful time to teach children about the joy of helping others who are less fortunate. Encourage your family to provide a Thanksgiving meal or Christmas gifts for a needy family. Or, volunteer to spend part of the holiday helping at a soup kitchen or preparing food baskets to be distributed by community agencies and churches.