November 2024: Centering Gratitude and Giving This Thanksgiving
Hi, Practice families!👋
I love pretty much everything about the holiday season. Comfort food, family traditions, cozy lights inside as the days outside get shorter and darker, watching my kids’ faces light up as we put up holiday decorations or do things together as a family. But my favorite part of the holidays honestly has always been giving.
As we head into Thanksgiving this year, I’m planning to center giving. Yes, this absolutely means that I’m going to try to nab as many family holiday gifts as possible during the Black Friday discounts– but I’m also going to try to spread the joy by setting an intention to give generously outside our immediate family.
I have values around gratitude and generosity that I want to instill in my boys– I want my kids to understand how lucky we are, to feel grateful for what we have, and to join in using what we have in order to help others who are in need. There’s no better way to teach gratitude and generosity to our kids than by giving them opportunities to better understand the entire spectrum of the world around us– and by prioritizing and practicing giving to others in need.
Giving this holiday season also allows me to access a sense of agency and take action to support causes and organizations that are doing the work to make this world the kind of place I’d like it to be.
I want to highlight two causes that our team at Practice will be supporting this giving season– each of which also has a mission revolving around supporting kids’ and families’ well-being.❤️
One, we will be supporting the San Francisco Firefighters’ Toy Drive– both with our own donations and by hosting donation bins at all of our locations! Bins will be present beginning on Monday, December 2, 2024– please join us in giving by dropping off new, unwrapped toys for kids between infancy and age 12 or by donating to this cause online. At the holidays, the Firefighters’ Toy Drive supports both individual families in need and a wide range of community organizations (shelters for women and children, low-income schools, pediatric cancer and AIDS hospital units). In addition, the firefighters respond year-round to displaced children who are victims of fires, floods, or other disasters. Our gifts of toys can provide a ray of light to kids and their families at the times that they need that light the most.
Two, we also will be supporting San Rafael’s Postpartum Support Center via a financial donation and gifting from their Target wishlist, and invite you to do the same. The Postpartum Support Center provides emotional, financial, and logistical support (including a diaper bank!) to new families who are struggling as a means of supporting maternal mental health and overall family well-being.
We’d love to hear from you about the organization(s) you’re supporting this year (whether through donations, volunteering, or both!).
Wishing all of you and your families a warm and joyful holiday!
Warmly,
Founder, Practice San Francisco
P.S.-- a few other tips and resources on teaching kids about gratitude:
10 Tips for Raising Grateful Kids (Child Mind Institute)
From Greed to Gratitude: The 6 Things You Can Do to Raise Kids Who Feel Empowered But Not Entitled (Center for Children and Youth)
Two favorite related kids books at my house, both with stunning illustrations: Last Stop on Market Street, and We Are Grateful (Otsaliheliga).
Thank You, Practice Families💛
This Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to recognize you—the parents in our Practice community. Whether you’ve worked with us or are simply connected because you care about supporting your family’s well-being, we’re grateful for you.
Parenting is no easy feat, and your dedication to your kids’ growth and happiness is a powerful expression of love and resilience. Thank you for being part of our broader Practice family and for all that you do to raise kind, resilient kids.
Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with gratitude, connection, and joy. 🍁
Warmly,
The Practice San Francisco Team
Looking for Extra Support?
We’re thrilled to share that Jenny Raterman, Ph.D., AMFT, one of our newest clinicians to join our team, is currently accepting new clients in both our Mill Valley and San Francisco offices, or via telehealth.
Jenny brings over a decade of experience working with young people and families, including 10 years as a high school teacher. She has a unique ability to connect with kids and teens, helping them navigate challenges like anxiety, emotion regulation, and life transitions. Her collaborative and skill-focused approach supports families in creating meaningful and lasting change.
If your family is seeking support, now is a great time to connect with Jenny. Learn more about Jenny or schedule an intake call HERE.
