1. 3 min Begin with Welcome and introductions.
Be positive and thank those present for taking time out to be present here at school with their child. Register for a raffle ticket! Dads will arrive late, but be sure to start on time.
2. 2 min Allow the Principal or Asst Principal to also welcome the Dads
3. 12 min Dads Speak
Say “Ok Dads this is our turn to hear from you. Lets go around the room. Please introduce yourself and your child. Thentellussomethingaboutyoursonordaughterthatyouareveryproudof”.
Good idea to prepare the first Dad to speak ahead of time so he can set the example. Try and limit them to a minute or less each. With 30 or less Dads, let each speak. More than 30, divide them into 2 groups and have them speak to that group
4. 15 min The Big Idea Introduce the Topic—Gratitude
Say “Our Topic for this meeting is “Gratitude”. Gratitude means recognizing kindness around us. And being willing to say thank you. Being grateful helps us want to be kind to others, even if they don’t say thanks!
Starting the day with positive affirmations is a great way to keep what's important 1st!
Say “Get the Handout for links to more Gratitude Affirmations that you can choose from.”
Lets Talk about it there at your table for a few minutes. Here is a question for Dad to ask his child, and for your child to ask Dad:
Dad: Is there something that you are grateful for? Who can you do something nice for and what would it be?
Child: Has someone done something nice for you? How did you show gratitude? Kids, share your answer for an Extra Raffle Ticket
5. 10 min Wrap Up and Raffle
Thank Dads for Being here. 3 Takeaways from Today:
1. Kids spell Love T.I.M.E.
2. Its up to us to teach our children values like Gratitude
3. Dads be intentional with kids as a role model about having and showing Gratitude!
Next meeting will be Virtual on March 9 at 7pm. Link to join will be sent separately
Take a look at the handout “Continuing the Conversation”. It is a great way to begin the habit of having real conversations with your children to continue even into the teen age years!
Handout For the Dads
Questions:
Dad to Child: What ae some of your responsibilities at home or at school?
Child to Dad: When have you taken responsibility for a mistake that you made?
Kids, share your answer for an Extra Raffle Ticket
Taking it Home -
Dinner Dilemmas: To create family discussions that promote Character
• Situation: It is Monday morning and the student responsible for cleaning the cage and feeding the class pet is absent.
• Dilemma: On the one hand Sam does not like to clean the pet’s cage and knows it is not his job this week. On the other hand, Sam knows someone needs to volunteer to care for the pet.
• Discussion: What is your advice for Sam?
Gather around dinner, everyone think of two things that happened during the day for which they are grateful and describe them. What are some other things that they are grateful for and how can they show their appreciation? What kindness can they show someone else for which that person would be grateful?
Awesome Gratitude Quotes:
1. "Letusbegratefultopeoplewhomakeushappy;theyarethecharminggardenerswhomakeoursoulsblossom."MarcelProust
2. "Wecanonlybesaidtobealiveinthosemomentswhenourheartsareconsciousofourtreasures."-ThorntonWilder
3. Asweexpressourgratitude,wemustneverforgetthatthehighestappreciationisnottoutterwords,buttolivebythem. JohnF.Kennedy
4. Attimesourownlightgoesoutandisrekindledbyasparkfromanotherperson.Eachofushascausetothinkwithdeep gratitudeofthosewhohavelightedtheflamewithinus.AlbertSchweitzer
5. Thedeepestcravingofhumannatureistheneedtobeappreciated. WIlliamJames
6. "Bethankfulforwhatyouhave;you'llenduphavingmore.Ifyouconcentrateonwhatyoudon'thave,youwillnever,ever haveenough." OprahWinfrey
7. Heisawisemanwhodoesnotgrieveforthethingswhichhehasnot,butrejoicesforthosewhichhehas."-Epictetus
Take It Home Resources
Next Meeting:
Virtual March 9, 2023 7pm login information to be sent separately (be sure you signed the register this morning!)
