Celebrating Kindness with Infants and Toddlers: Teaching gratitude and kindness in October

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As fall colors brighten and Thanksgiving approaches, October is the perfect time to nurture gratitude and kindness in our youngest children. At Training Wheels Childcare, we know that even babies and toddlers can begin to develop early social-emotional skills when caregivers model thankfulness and kindness. These first lessons help children feel secure, build empathy, and start to understand their place in the community.

Why Gratitude Matters from the Start

Social-emotional learning starts long before children can say “thank you.” Babies notice how adults interact and how we speak kindly, smile, and help others. Toddlers begin to copy these behaviors and learn the words that match their feelings. Research shows that children who practice gratitude and kindness are more likely to have strong relationships and positive mental health as they grow (Zero to Three).  By focusing on gratitude in October, we set the stage for a joyful Thanksgiving and teach values that last all year.

What Training Wheels Childcare Teachers Do

In our infant and toddler rooms, Training Wheels Childcare teachers weave kindness and gratitude into daily care. Here’s how:

  • Modeling Thankfulness: Teachers consistently say “thank you” and “please,” even to our youngest babies. Simple repetition helps children associate those words with care and respect.
  • Kindness in Action: During group time, teachers talk about helping friends like handing a toy to a friend who dropped it or comforting someone who is sad.
  • Songs and Stories: Favorite books and songs with themes of giving and caring, such as Thank You Day or Hands Are Not for Hitting, help toddlers connect positive actions with feelings of happiness.
  • Gratitude Boards: In October, classrooms create gratitude boards. Teachers add photos of families, friends, and favorite activities. Toddlers point to pictures and “name” things they love, even with single words or gestures.

These daily practices make gratitude a natural part of the Training Wheels Childcare environment.

How Parents Can Nurture Gratitude at Home

Families are a child’s first teachers, and simple habits at home reinforce what children experience at daycare.

  • Narrate Your Thanks: As you feed, change, or play with your baby, talk about what you appreciate. For example, “Thank you for helping by lifting your arms” or “I’m grateful for your big hug!”
  • Create a Family Gratitude Basket: Even toddlers can help place pictures, small toys, or drawings of things your family appreciates into a basket. Review items together each evening.
  • Share Kind Acts: Encourage toddlers to help with small tasks like putting toys away or bringing a sibling a blanket. Praise their efforts with warm words: “That was kind!”
  • Read Together: Books like Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson or Thankful by Eileen Spinelli are great for snuggly story time. (HealthyChildren.org on reading)

Building a Season of Gratitude

Teaching gratitude is about creating a loving atmosphere where kindness is noticed and celebrated. As children grow, these early experiences form the foundation for empathy and thankfulness.

This October, join Training Wheels Childcare in making gratitude part of your daily routine. Talk with your child’s teacher about our kindness projects and share ideas from your own family traditions. Together, we can raise children who see every season as a time to be thankful.

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