How to Teach Kids to Be Thankful

Child development expert Chuck Smith of Kansas State University suggests that parents begin modeling these concepts by reaching out to those in need as part of a family project.

For example, taking children to the grocery store to choose donations for a local food pantry will help them gain awareness of hunger and need, Smith says.

He says kids and parents should work together to devise their grocery list, and that the child should be the one to hand-deliver the food to the pantry so they get a sense of the real life stories of the people they are helping.

"Then, at dinner that night, talk about what you did that day," Smith says. "The parent's role is to help the child imagine the pleasure of cooking and eating that food."

A similar activity might see children and parents choosing old games and toys to donate to underprivileged families, he suggests.

Aside from donations, parents can have their kids create drawings for critically ill children or soldiers serving overseas. Smith explains that encouraging youngsters to act—not just talk about the importance of giving—is crucial for their development.