Editor’s Note

To celebrate National Thank You Letter Day on Nov. 14, children are being encouraged to express their gratitude after this unprecedented year. Award-winning author Carew Papritz has organized a rolling, letter-writing movement through Dec. 1 to thank the heroes of 2020 and to teach kids the importance of saying thanks. To get involved, go to nationalthankyouletterday.com.

How sweet is this idea for a Thanksgiving tablecloth spotted on social media: At your family meal, use a plain white tablecloth and have your guests use fabric pens to write their name, a memory, something that they’re grateful for, or even draw a doodle. Each year you can add to it until it's full… and reminisce on years past.

Sure, this month brings Election Day and Thanksgiving, but did you know November is also Child Safety and Protection Month?

It can be easy to scoff at some of the more obscure “holidays” and observances on the calendar – this month also brings National Brush Your Teeth Day (silly me, thought that was every day), and National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day (yes, for real, it’s Nov. 12). But a reminder to consider our children’s safety is probably worth a second thought.

I know what you’re thinking… when are you not worried about your kids? It is normal, instinctive really, to worry about your child’s safety. From the moment they are born, we feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility to keep our children safe. And that’s only been magnified this past year, as we’ve done all we can keep our kids healthy. For the most part, that’s meant keeping our children safe at home.

Over the last eight months, our homes have become more than just where we live – they have become our offices, classrooms, and playgrounds. Experts have warned that the threat of home injuries looms large as we’re all spending so much time at home, and as parents may be otherwise occupied and stressed.

SafeKids.org has some helpful resources for ensuring the wellbeing of children at home. Their Safety at Home Parent’s Checklist has a room-by-room guide for things to double check around the house.

In this issue, you’ll also find some topics on child safety. Read about a mom who’s on a mission to strengthen furniture safety standards after losing her toddler daughter in a tip-over incident, how you can create your own Child ID Kit at home, and find out the important question you should ask before every play date – that you’re probably not.

No one wants to think about these things, especially when, as parents, we have so much on our minds as it is. But the aim of these stories isn’t to make you more anxious; instead they serve as reminders that there are things we can control when it comes to our kids’ wellbeing. And that can offer some much-needed peace of mind.

On a lighter note, you’ll find plenty of fun stuff in this issue, too. Check out Bites (page 16) for some adorable Turkey Day treats and recipes. Then, turn to The Agenda (page 19), for our favorite fall family adventures, and ideas to bring some happiness and gratitude into your daily life this month.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, safe and fun November!

If the arrival of a certain red elf is already stressing you out, consider this more laid-back tradition this holiday season. Reindeer In Here is an adorable plush reindeer that comes with his own Christmas story about celebrating our differences. Kids name their reindeer and take everywhere with them throughout the season (including to bed!). Each night, the reindeer communicates kids’ wishes to Santa, and on Christmas Eve, they put it under the tree so Santa can take it back to the North Pole until next December. Easy and cute? Yes, please!

A recent study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that gratitude is linked to happiness in children by the age of 5. By the time they’re 11, grateful tweens report more satisfaction with their schools, families, communities, friends, and themselves. As an adult, I know I feel happier when I’m actively practicing gratitude, but sometimes it takes some effort. Turn to page 22 for ideas on starting a family gratitude practice this month.