From left, Gracie Edwards, Colebea Kim, Reese Stafford and Aaron Dorn, all 3 years old, sing Thanksgiving songs for their parents at a First United Methodist Church Early Learning Center program Nov. 18. Gracie is the daughter of Carey and Mary Martha Edwards. Colebea is the daughter of Brandon and Vellum Kim. Reese's parents are Kevin and Shannon Stafford. Aaron is the son of Karina and Paul Dorn. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Lessons in gratitude begin early. Sometimes they come attended by Pilgrim hats and feathers fashioned from construction paper, or “turkeys” that closely resemble a sweet child-sized handprint. Little ones throughout the Golden Triangle have lately been hearing about giving thanks, singing songs and sharing what they are grateful for. As they grow, they will more deeply understand the value of authentic gratitude. And, if they are fortunate, they will realize that being thankful for even the smallest things is enriching.
Grown-ups can help by modeling gratitude. A family dinner might begin by letting everyone share what they are most thankful for. Or bedtime could include saying what we are grateful for that day. Volunteer. Give. Be lavish with deserved thank yous. Teach children to appreciate what they have. Pass on the virtue of thankfulness. It has power.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Amiya Magee, 4, daughter of Antonio and Jennifer Magee, is ready to eat corn, turkey and a roll with her family after her Thanksgiving program Nov. 18 at First United Methodist Church. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Two-year-old Mary Ellen Cockrell gives her grandmother, Mary Lena Cockrell, a hug before the Thanksgiving performance at the First Baptist Church WEE School Nov. 18. Mary Ellen is the daughter of Clay and Stephanie Cockrell of Columbus. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Gassey Williams, 3, goes straight for the turkey during a Thanksgiving lunch at Petty's Christian Childcare in Columbus Nov. 18. Gassey is the son of Gassey Williams Sr. and Tyesha Haynes of Columbus. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
One-year-old Aaron Minor shares a moment with his mother, Britney Gee, at the First Baptist Church WEE School in Columbus Nov. 18. The children sang and shared what they were thankful for before enjoying a big Thanksgiving lunch with their families. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
At Emerson Preschool in Starkville, Akeela Suddeth and her 2-year-old son Joshua Suddeth of Starkville receive a box of Thanksgiving meal preparations Nov. 17 from Dr. Lori Staton, Mississippi State University assistant professor in the School and Human Sciences, and Elmarie Carr, Respite Program manager at Emerson. Photo by: Luisa Porter/Dispatch Staff
Quintel Bush helps his daughter A'myra Bush, 5, make a turkey at Coleman Head Start Center Nov. 17. Photo by: Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
Quinton Guido and his daughter Kaliyah Guido, 4, glue fruit onto a cornucopia at Coleman Head Start Center. Photo by: Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.