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Quote of the Week
"Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other."
--Randy Pausch
Helping Kids Think About The Good
During this pandemic holiday season, sheltering in place affords us the greatest gift of time and presence with our children. While many may be feeling disappointed at missing cherished rituals and traditions and getting to spend time with loved ones who are far away, what if we took the time to be really present with those who are right here with us under our own roof? Rather than dwelling on what isn't happening this year, what if we focused on expressing our gratitude for the simple gifts and treasures present with us in the here and now?
This week's featured podcast describes a simple gratitude practice you can do with your kids. First, you ask them to notice something they’ve been given or have in their lives that they’re grateful for. You then have them think about why they've been given that gift and reflect on how it makes them feel and then finally you ask your kids if there's anything they want to do to show how they feel about it. Learn more by tuning into Greater Good's "Science of Happiness" podcast (or reading the transcript) to help your kids think about the good in their lives.
Reading Corner
 Title: Look and Be Grateful
By: Tomie DePaola
Ages: 3-8
"The beloved, Wilder Award–winning illustrator spins a simple paean to gratitude. DePaola has been moving toward an ever more simple and radiant aesthetic, as his pictures become increasingly iconic and his colors, as on this beautiful tea-stained paper, become as translucent as glass. There are only about 40 words in this small volume, including the dedication (“For all the children”). Following the path of his Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise (2011), he pares down his hymn of joy to the single moment, to the day we have been given. Even toddlers will recognize the sun, the ladybug, the flowers, and the oranges, and they will comprehend the mostly one-syllable, hand-lettered words and the open-gestured hands in many skin tones. The repetition of those open hands, the image of a white dove, and the girl and boy on the cover echo the repeated words of gratitude." --Kirkus Reviews
Recommended by Kindful Kids Editors
Be The Change
Try this week's suggested practice of gratitude questions for kids and bring your focus to being present for the feelings it uncovers. Also, please take two minutes to VOTE for your favorite Kindful Kids books of the year by filling out this survey by Dec. 30th.
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