By Katelyn Fry and Savvy Auntie Writers


Negativity can too easily take us out of the Thanksgiving Day spirit. A great way to not only say we're grateful this Thanksgiving, but truly feel grateful, is to be positive.

Why not take on our Auntie Positive – Anti-Negativity Thanksgiving Day Challenge by encouraging your nieces and nephews to not say anything negative for the entire day? Their "Auntie Positive" can lead by example.

Show your nieces and nephews how to turn the negative into a positive. For example, if their mom tries to put Grandma’s green beans on their plate, remind them that instead of saying: “But I don’t like Grandma’s green beans,” they can say: “Thank you, but I’m leaving room for other things in my tummy because Grandma made so many yummy side dishes!”

The same goes for us. If the apple pie you’re baking gets a little burned on the edges because your brother turned up the oven temperature for his self-proclaimed “Famous Pecan Pie,” ask your nieces and nephews to help you keep it positive. Maybe they’ll suggest something like: “It’s OK, Auntie. Don’t feel badly because now we have two pies to eat and a funny memory to share next year!”

Thanksgiving can be a tense day for family and friends. This challenge will help kids -and us - learn the value of looking at the brighter side of things. By helping children shift their focus to the positive, they are reminded of what they are most thankful for on this holiday, and any day.

And hey, why not keep the Auntie Positive - Anti-Negativity Challenge going through the rest of the holiday season? If you keep it up, chances are it will remain a regular practice in the new year.

Published: November 22, 2017
Photo:  CHOReograPH