The Thanksgiving holiday is almost upon us. The time of year to give thanks for our blessings is here. For many families this is a time in which we enjoy each other's company and reflect upon the past year. We should start thinking about what our faith traditions reflect to us and how we convey this to our teen.
Thanksgiving is a unique holiday in that it is an American holiday. The day involves a meal with family and friends celebrating the year and giving thanks. We celebrate American traditions, family traditions, and faith traditions at this time. Unlike many other holidays, no gifts are exchanged. Instead, we exchange time with each other - which can be a gift of tremendous value. This is a good time to share family stories and reflect upon the values which have been important to the family.
What do we want our teens to remember from Thanksgiving days with the family? What traditions do we want our teens to take with them as they leave home? Now is the time to be thinking about this. Many families take a moment for each person to express thanks for something from the year. The Thanksgiving table is a good place to share these reflections.
Think about letting your teen know your thanks that he is in your life.
Dr. Debra
This is so thoughtful. I also think that it is time to remember our own Thanksgiving memories. We want to encourage the ones we remember fondly and guard against the ones we would like to forget. I find that Thanksgiving is the time we are all hopeful that things that haven't gone well in the past will go well now. Too many are disappointed. This does not have to be so if you remember to follow Dr. Debra's advise. Happy Thanksgiving. Sherri
Posted by: Sharon Cook, LCSW, LMFT | 11/08/2010 at 03:14 PM