In November, we often focus on gratitude—but how can we help kids move beyond a rote “thank you” to truly experience and express thankfulness? The Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Making Caring Common project emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful connections and authentic appreciation.
At Sticky Fingers Cooking, this idea comes to life in the kitchen. Gratitude is about noticing who or what makes our lives special, reflecting on why we feel grateful, and feeling good about those connections. Cooking together is a wonderful way for families to experience gratitude in meaningful, memorable ways. Today we’re sharing some simple, fun ways to help kids discover and express gratitude at home.
This simple practice helps kids recognize and value the everyday things they might otherwise take for granted—from the hands that harvested our food to favorite family recipes.
Once kids begin identifying things they feel grateful for, guide them to think about why they’re grateful. If they’re thankful for a birthday cake grandma baked for them, ask what makes it special. Is it the fancy decorations? The taste? The fun of celebrating together? Then dig deeper: “What did it mean for grandma to make that cake? Did she set aside other things to make it happen? How does that make you feel?”
Encourage them to draw, write, or talk about what they feel grateful for. They could write a thank-you note to a neighbor who shared a favorite recipe or draw a picture for the person who packs their lunch. By exploring the “why,” kids form deeper emotional connections to those people and traditions.
Sharing gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes, the best conversations happen naturally at the dinner table. At mealtimes, take turns sharing one thing you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as “I’m grateful for family pizza night because it’s fun to eat and laugh together” or “I’m thankful for the tomatoes we grew this summer because they make our salads taste amazing.”
At Sticky Fingers Cooking we incorporate “Mealtime Chatter” into all our classes. These fun, thought-provoking questions are designed to spark curiosity, reflection, and connection as kids enjoy the dishes they’ve created. You can bring this idea to your own table by trying some gratitude-focused “Mealtime Chatter” questions at home:
Research shows that practicing gratitude can even change the brain, helping kids (and adults) recognize and value these moments more deeply. By sharing gratitude together, you’re building a lasting habit of thankfulness. Pretty great, right?
Make gratitude a fun, ongoing activity by creating a “Thankful Wall” in your kitchen. Start with mealtime questions like, “Is there a recipe we made this week that you’re especially thankful for?” Keep a stack of sticky notes or index cards handy so anyone can jot down a gratitude note whenever inspiration strikes. Over time, your wall will fill with reminders of the people, foods, and moments that bring joy to your family.
Gratitude doesn’t have to be a once-a-year activity. By practicing it regularly in the kitchen, we can help kids feel connected to their food, their family, and the world around them.
Happy Thanksgiving from Sticky Fingers Cooking! Here’s to finding joy, gratitude, and delicious moments in the year ahead. And if you’re looking for more ways to bond with your kids through cooking? Check out our kid-friendly recipes and cooking classes for kids!”
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