Toddler Time ~ Thankful Tree

Every night, when we put Caleb to bed, we go through the same routine.  Caleb gets a song while drinking his water, he is asked what he wants to thank Jesus for, we pray, he gets two more songs (yes, he’s talked us into having three songs as a part of his bedtime routine), and then he gets four kisses as I say “I love you, your daddy loves you, your baby Jojo loves you, and Jesus loves you the most.”

Every evening, as Caleb is going to bed, he is reminded how important it is that we spend time thanking Jesus.  As we enter November, the month of Thanksgiving, it’s important to me to instill that thankfulness into Caleb’s heart even more.  I want my boy to always remember who his blessings come from and how loved he is by the Lord!

This month I prepared a Thankfulness Tree for my little man.  To be honest, we didn’t wait until November to start.  He wanted to jump in right away.  Caleb and I talk about what he wants to thank Jesus for and then I encourage him to color one side of the tag – asking him to draw a picture of what he’s thankful for.  Then I write what he said on the other side.  Sometimes Caleb will say something sweet like “Family” or “Brother” and sometimes I just have to giggle – like when he says “Blue.”

Thankful Tree

Supplies Needed

Tree Branches
Vase
Tags (I have a tag paper punch that I use with scrapbook paper)
String
Pen and Crayons

Instruction

1. Set up your tree using the branches and the vase.  Get it as thick or sparse as you’d like!  Just remember, you’re going to have to fit a lot of tags onto the tree!
2. Each day, write the thing you and/or your child is thankful for on the tag.  Let your toddler decorate it while you’re talking about being thankful!
3. Tie the string to the tag and let your kiddo hang it on the tree!

Your Turn:
What do you do to teach your toddler thankfulness?