This week we celebrate Veterans Day. Reflecting on what our men and women have done in the armed services and are doing in the armed services is a reason to be thankful.

With young children, focus on showing them the American flag, its colors, and how we want to protect our flag which flies over our country. ‘There are many activities in our area to honor our veterans. Check in on parades, events that can be enjoyed by the family.

Parents can teach many lessons of thankfulness to their young child during the Thanksgiving season. This can start way before Thanksgiving as your child looks forward to this special day.  You may be a two-parent family, a single-parent family, or a grandparent; but take advantage of those teachable moments as Thanksgiving approaches. This can be done in three ways: by looking at the history of Thanksgiving through easy, child-appropriate activities; looking at Thanksgiving in the present; and showing how thankful you are for your child.

As we look at the history of Thanksgiving, the lesson of guiding your child to share and care is applied during this season of thankfulness. History can be relived with just a little bit of your time and creativity. Check in with the library on easy-reader books on Thanksgiving that your young child can understand.

Simple homemade Indian, Pilgrim dress can be done from a brown paper shopping bag. Your child can pretend to play both a Pilgrim and an Indian while attending a pretend-first Thanksgiving meal — even if it’s Chicken Nuggets.

In looking at Thanksgiving in the present — even though for many families this year, times are tough — try to stop and really focus on the little things that we should be thankful for. Point out things in nature, simple family gatherings; children will learn to share, if you as their parent model giving to others. 

In showing your child how thankful you are for them, include them in safe chores around the home. They can do simple tasks in meal preparation such as stirring, mixing, and cleaning up. Simple measurement lessons are being integrated into holiday preparations.

Again during Thanksgiving, remember time spent with your child spells love.

Beth Pinyerd lives in Daphne and serves as director of younger children at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort.

Her column appears every other week in the Daphne Bulletin and Spanish Fort Sun.