Thanksgiving is not just for November.

Isn't it nice to be around polite children?   Kids who say, "Please, May I, and excuse me" make an impression on most adults. ( If they are also kind, cooperative and can share, they are more likely to be invited back for other play dates.) It is tough to always live up to such a  high level of social skills,  so  they should be forgiven for the occasional failure to be so impressive.

Most parents try to instill in kids to say "Thank you."  When asked to write a note of thanks for a received gift, some kids balk at the idea:

"Do I have to?"

"Yes."

"But I don't even like it that much."

"You still have to."

"Its not even the latest one."

"I don't care, you are going to be thankful and be thankful fast because I don't have time to fool around with you about it.  For Pete sakes, just write something!"

"Ah, Mom!"

I'm not sure such exercises add to the child's true feelings of gratitude, but at least he will know such a thing exists. (Make it easier by providing small thank you cards with just enough room for a few words of thanks and his signature.)

• True gratitude comes with maturation.  Thanksgiving is a good time to start a year long appreciation for the blessings of every day life.
• Say grace at meals on a more regular basis.  Take turns so that each gets the opportunity to verbalize his or her gratitude.  
• Keep an "attitude of gratitude" journal.   Written in at least once a week it will help track the child's progress in written expression, fine motor skills and maturity.
• Be sure to demonstrate your own gratitude by being positive and life-affirming. 
• Say thanks to your kids, let them know you appreciate them.