We want to teach our children how to say thank you for the gifts they receive for the holidays, birthdays or just a special occasion. How can they say thank you, enjoy it and without it being a fight or hassle for you?

Let us share some ideas we have used and please, share your suggestions as well – you are a most creative group!

Ways for Children to Say Thank You…

1. Draw a picture of the toy. Have the child draw a picture of the toy and let their imagination run with the idea. If they are too young, label the picture and any comments the child made while creating this unique thank you. Be sure this is immediately given in person or mailed – a thank you not given isn’t much good…

2. Have several people to thank for this one picture? Take a photo of the drawing (get as close as possible, fill the whole picture frame with the drawing and do not tilt the drawing – this will give you the best photo quality. If it is digital, you could email it, otherwise, print right away and send promptly. Read more

Thanksgiving…a time to reflect on our blessings, time for family and relaxing with extended time off of work before the busy holiday season begins – who wouldn’t just love this holiday! I found these suggestions to help you bring fun to Thanksgiving while telling the story of the holiday.

The wonderful classic in children’s literature is the book, Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving by Ann Mcgovern. “A long time ago, some men and women, boys and girls, two dogs and a cat sailed on a ship across the sea…” Ann Mcgovern is excellent at weaving a historical story that even three year olds will enjoy and understand.

Looking for a “belly laughing” story? 10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston is so cute and funny, I attracted attention when giggling in the bookstore… this book is just plain silly! The story is about ten fat turkeys walking along a fence, when one by one they fall, break the fence, and perch on a tree instead. The cute little verses are funny, and intended to appeal to the very young, or young at heart. Definitely am adding this book to our collection.

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Costumes… oh the funny animal costumes available right now are delightful! A child in an animal costume always steals my heart (maybe because they act like animals sometimes anyway?!). Let me share some of the cutest you have ever seen. We have to start with…

A yellow Duck – of course we had to find one of the most adorable Baby Duck Costume and Toddler Big Bird Costumes for you to view! A funny story about Lil’ Duck: he now “introduces” his yellow stuffed duck to strangers while out and about – well he is quite particular about informing the person that “This is Ducky. She is NOT Big Bird!” Makes you wonder if Lil’ Duck and Ducky had a “conversation” regarding this embarrassing introduction mix up… Read more

1. A great sense of humor, so you can laugh at even the worst disaster (think chocolate pudding everywhere)…
2. A beloved stuffed animal, who can take your place & help them to fight monsters and other horrible imaginary creatures.
3. An ability to survive on next to no sleep, even when the little one decides that 3 hours of sleep broken up into 10 minute bits at night is plenty – then does this all week. Heaven forbid that the word “nap” is even mentioned…
4. The knowledge of how to get anything out of carpet, especially an entire container of vegetable oil.
5. Cheerios (what, you thought they were just for eating?)!

See other top 5 lists at the latest Problogger group writing project…

Here are some simple chore ideas to keep your toddler busy & productive, while making your house cleaner…..

• Feeding pets. Put the food in the dish for them (or have them measure out dry food under supervision if they are old enough not to eat it), then have them take it to the spot and put it down for the pet.
• Making the bed – they can pull up the covers and put the pillow in the correct place (although the tucking usually requires help).
• Setting the table – if you give them dishes one at a time, they can set them on the table (nothing sharp, of course). Read more

1. Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman.
2. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, George Hauman, and Doris Hauman – teaches a positive outlook on things.
3. Down by the Cool of the Pool by Tony Mitton & Guy Parker-Rees.
4. The Jillian Jiggs series by Phoebe Gilman
5. I’ll Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
6. Yes, a Cat Named Marty Cohen by Wendy Ann Gardner
7. Alligator Baby by Robert Munsch
8. Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton
9. Miss Spider’s ABC by David Kirk
10. I Have To Go by Robert Munsch
11. Bath Time! by Sandra Boynton – available for pre-order now!
12. Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch
13. Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

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Something that a lot of Lil’ Duck’s toddler friends like to do is bite other little ones…. hard. He’s never tried this (altho he does love to chase us around and try to bite certain parts of us), but if he did, I’d do exactly what one of the mothers in this situation did.

She talked about how she hurt the little girl that was bitten and how sad she must feel (in toddler words, of course), then that we never bite, then had her promise not to do it anymore. Then, when they got home, she went through the toys, selected a stuffed animal and told her that tomorrow she will have to give the toy to the girl she hurt so she will not be sad anymore (I’d recommend a toy which they know is theirs, but isn’t a beloved friend, of course).

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