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NOVEMBER 2015
kiddish
Teaching Gratefulness When you give back you give to yourself. BY LISA MONETTE
Try making a creative corkboard full of symbols and words of gratitude.
a blessing,” suggests Jamie Evans, who volunteers with her husband and two sons, “Not just for the organization and people we are supporting, but for us as a family. Children watch everything you do. By giving back to the community, you show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people and enact change.”
Discussing Political Issues “I help my son be aware of what’s good in his life by discussing political issues with him,” says Julie, mom to an
T
eaching gratefulness is not a new concept. References to gratefulness abound in Pirke Avot. “Who is rich? Those who
rejoice in their own portion” – Pirke
Avot 4:1. In this day and age of material treats, gratitude is more important than ever. A field of research demonstrates benefits to kids who literally count their blessings.
Making a Grateful Board “Part of our Thanksgiving tradition
is to fill our grateful board,” says Kim,
11-year-old. He’s helped me decide who
mother of three. “Each November, we
to vote for in two presidential elections,
bring out a corkboard, covered in rustic
even drawing pro’s and cons. He’s really
burlap with ribbons and such, and each
had to weigh what is important.
day all of us cut out a shape (I like hearts)
Don’t forget to share your own
and write one thing we are grateful for.
gratefulness. Like all lessons for our kids,
Some are big items, others small. By the
modeling makes the strongest mark. By
end of the month we have a truly festive
making gratefulness a part of your daily
and meaningful decoration. It is fun to
life, it becomes a part of your kids’ daily
read previous years writings as well.”
lives. ✿
Volunteering
Lisa Monette, lisam@jccoc.org, has worked with children for over 15 years, she is the Director of the Sheila and Eric Samson Family Early Childhood Center at the Merage JCC.
Few experiences mean more than volunteering as a family. “It’s been such