I wouldn't give the kids so much credit on this one. My son's class (ages 3-5) also did the "Thankful for" list but the teacher's told them they weren't allowed to pick toys/tv shows. Pets were also a big item in this class!

Thanks for commenting, tbracer, but I'm going to go ahead and give the kids credit anyway. Even if they're getting guidance, it was a sweet little lesson for them -- and for me. -- LMA

We're in the same boat with a blended family and it makes me so grateful that they ALL get genuinely upset if they can't be together on Thanksgiving! They make me believe we're muddling our way through this pretty well!

Where's the list of what they all said?

Sorry to be another nay-sayer, but the preschookers were coached to be thankful for Mom, Dad and all this bounty before us.. My son is a pre-schooler, too. They were basically given a list of things to be thankful for, which did NOT include Nintendo, transformers and the Barbie Dream house!

My daughter's kindergarten class drew a picture and wrote what they are thankful for. My daughter chose her baby brothers (2 year old twins). The teacher had them sound out the words and write what they heard. There were a number of children in her class that chose material items so I am giving my daughter the credit she is due.

Children of this age group ARE absolutely coached what to say by the teachers....I have 2 in Daycare one 3 and the other 9 months old. I got a Thankful list "from" both of them. Please! As if they even understand what Thanksgiving actually even means....especially the 9mth old. . i agree with first poster on this one. I appreciate the things my kids actually draw or color or glue or what have you, I don't hold much meaning to things that are done or completely coached by the teacher. I praise things my kids do but it holds much more meaning if it actually comes from my kids.

Coached or not, the children are learning what it means to be grateful and that is an abstract concept not easily understood by our sweet little egocentric ones. So at their age, yes, they need a little push.

That being said, if they are grateful for a toy or TV show, I say let them express that. Not every child has a box full of toys or a TV and when these preschoolers are older they will understand that they SHOULD be grateful for the material things their parents/caregivers are able to provide.

And on a more "right now" level, if their whatever doll makes them happy but grandpa smells funny they will choose the toy, no question about it. Leave the gratitude of grandpa's hard work and undying love for when they are older. They'll get it eventually.