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Hey there, fellow parents (or just anyone who stumbled upon this post)! Today, I want to share one of my little adventures in teaching my young children something we could all use a little more of: gratitude. Now, I must admit, I’m no expert in parenting, but aren’t we all just trying our best? So, grab a cup of coffee or tea (or whatever beverage brings you joy) and let me tell you about our gratitude tree.
As a parent, I’ve become the master of thinking on my feet and finding creative ways to keep my little ones engaged. In my pursuit of raising grateful humans, I took inspiration from nature, the ultimate classroom. So, the idea of a gratitude tree was born.
Where does one find materials for a gratitude tree, you might ask? The answer lies beneath our feet – fallen leaves! Every day, after breakfast, we enjoy a short walk around our neighborhood as we embark upon our leaf-hunting mission. Armed with our collection bags and an unstoppable sense of fun, my kids and I scout the neighborhood for the most beautiful leaves nature can offer.
We collect leaves of every shape and color, each unique in its own way – just like the things we are grateful for. We do our best to channel our inner squirrels while gathering our treasures, which often includes rocks, acorns and an assortment of bonus treasure that makes me grateful for pockets.
When we return home, we spread the leaves out on the table and admire the collection we have amassed. This is when the real magic begins. With ink or paint, we transform each leaf into a piece of personalized art. It’s remarkable to witness the gratitude pouring out of my little ones as they write down the things they feel grateful for – from rolly pollys to Grandma’s cookies and beyond.
Once we’ve carefully written down our gratitude-filled words, we carefully attach them to our gratitude tree, (a big fallen branch that I found at the park) and enjoy watching it transform day by day. You could also easily use twigs that you find during leaf-hunting adventures as the tree’s branches, and arrange them in a vase with sand or pebbles for stability and in any case it’s amazing how something so simple can become a symbol of appreciation and growth.
As the days pass, our tree evolves into a kaleidoscope of color and appreciation, a visual reminder of all the good in our lives. It’s a conversation starter too, as friends and family become curious and ask about the beautiful tree with leaves sprouting messages of thanks.
But let’s not forget that gratitude should extend beyond the tree. As we go about our daily lives, we encourage our children to continue noticing the little moments worth appreciating. Their growing understanding of gratitude spills over into our shared experiences, creating a culture of thankfulness that weaves through our household.
In the end, this whimsical gratitude tree is more than just a craft project or an afternoon activity. It’s a powerful tool for nurturing gratitude and creating lasting memories. It’s a physical embodiment of the love, joy, and countless blessings that surround us each day. So, despite my lack of crafting finesse or occasional grumpy mornings, together we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, one fallen leaf at a time.
Cheers to all the parents out there embracing the imperfect journey of parenthood, and here’s to raising grateful souls who will someday grow their own gratitude trees.
Until next time, stay warm, take walks, and make leafy memories!
With gratitude,
Brittney