I love the month of November!

I know that most kids think it’s just the time between Halloween and the beginning of the holiday season, but for me it’s a great time to be thankful for a number of things.

But I hope as my kids get older, they too begin to appreciate some of the following:

A Fondness for Food

Not looking forward to gorging yourself at a meal, but the love for the traditions that go with food.

I want my kids to learn about the favorite family dishes that we only have at the holidays. I hope they will continue to try new foods and also helping me in the kitchen (whether that’s baking cookies, learning to cook turkey soup, or adding marshmallows to the yams – having fun in the kitchen is a must during November).

Contributing to Community

I want my kids to understand why we need to thank our Veterans.

I want them to recognize that no matter how old they are, or how much money they have, there is always a way to help others: bringing canned goods to the school food drive, helping a neighbor rake leaves or donating warm coats & mittens for those in need.

I want them to realize that there is community all around them and supporting each other is important – at home, at school, at church, with their friends, coaches, teammates, youth leaders, etc.

Time with Family

I feel like we have so little of this lately. But November holds some promise for me – fall activities have wrapped up, winter celebrations are not quite started, and all those extra holiday events and school activities usually come in December.

November is a time to catch up with each other and enjoy one another’s company.

Enjoying Nature

I know the temperatures are cooler but that’s why I think November is a great time to get outside — enjoy the brisk weather, the beautiful autumn colors, and the fresh smell in the air.

An Appreciation of History

I use to hate history as a kid! I always thought ‘old stuff was boring’. But now that I’m older (wink!), I want to make history more relevant and entertaining for my kids.

I want them to see how we learn from the past and why we should appreciate what those before us have accomplished.

5 Things I Want My Kids to Love (and Learn) in November