Skip to main content
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Visit
    • Visit the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Apply
    • Apply to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Give
    • Give to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Log In
Search

Search Form

Nebraska Extension
UNL Food
Search
Log In
  • About
    • Terms of Use
  • Eat Healthy
    • Recipes
    • Budget Friendly
    • Cooking Tips
    • Seasonal Produce
    • Meal Prep
    • Cooking with Kids
  • Move More
    • Adults
    • Kids and Teens
    • Older Adults
    • Pregnant and Postpartum Women
    • Preschool-Aged Children
    • Workouts
  • Keep Food Safe
    • Food Preservation
    • Foodborne Illness
    • Handwashing
    • Home Food Storage Chart
    • Power Outage
    • Safe Cooking Temperatures
  • Free Resources
    • Activities
    • Articles
    • Food Calendar
    • Newsletters
    • Posters
    • Presentations
    • Videos
  • Programs
    • Exploring the Science of Food
    • Food in the Field
    • Go NAPSACC
    • Growing Together Nebraska
    • Husker Performance
    • Marathon Kids
    • Nebraska Extension ServSafe® Training
    • Nutrition Education Program
    • Nutrition School Enrichment Kits
    • Sleepless in Nebraska
    • Smart Health: Tools for Managing Hypertension
  1. Nebraska
  2. IANR
  3. Nebraska Extension
  4. UNL Food
  5. Free Resources
  6. Newsletters
  7. Food Fun for Young Children
  8. Express Gratitude

Express Gratitude

Express Gratitude
Share
Share
Tweet
Email
Provide Feedback Download Handout
pumpkins-squash

November is a wonderful time to think about the many things you appreciate in your life. It is also a great time to create memories with family and friends. One of the best things you and your children can do in this season of being thankful is to express gratitude. Here are ideas:

  • Inspire your child to write a thank you note or create a card to let someone know what they mean to them.
  • Deliver a special treat to someone in your community to show your gratitude.
  • Design a gratitude jar. Place a slip of paper in the jar every time you think of something for which you are grateful. Set aside time to read the things for which your family is thankful.
  • Keep a gratitude journal.
  • Enjoy a walk with your family. Find things in nature you appreciate. Notice the sounds of the crunchy leaves or the beautiful colors of the sun and the fall leaves. The Move Your Way website has additional ideas on being active together.

Visit Harvard Health Publishing for additional ideas on gratitude.

Pumpkin Pie Dip

Encourage children to explore new tastes with each new season. One of the flavors of fall is pumpkin, which is a good source of fiber and vitamin A. You can enjoy creating this snack with your child. Special memories and grateful moments start with quality time together. This recipe comes from North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension Service and is a tasty way to fit a serving, or two, of vegetables into your child's day.

  • 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree
    Pumpkin Pie Dip
  • 1 ounce sugar free vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
  • 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the pumpkin, vanilla pudding mix and pumpkin pie spice together with an electric mixer or a spoon until well combined.
  3. Fold in the whipped topping to gently combine.
  4. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  5. Enjoy with vanilla wafers or graham crackers.

Makes 5 cups. ½ cup dip has 80 calories, 2.5 grams fat, 0 grams protein, 15 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber and 30 milligrams sodium. Source of recipe and photo: North Dakota State Extension

Additional Pumpkin Recipes:

Pumpking Muffin Mini-Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Muffins
Pumpkin Cake Pumpkin Cake or Bars
Pumpkin Pancake stack Perfectly Pumpkin Whole Wheat Pancakes

This newsletter was reviewed and updated in 2023.

Tags:

pudding pumpkin winter

Feedback Form

Was this article helpful to you?
How will you share the article?

Related Articles

pumpkins-squash Express Gratitude

Related Recipes

animals in the swamp Animals in the Swamp
A smoothie for your sweetheart A Smoothie for Your Sweetheart
Pumpking Muffin Mini-Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Muffins
Pumpkin Cake Pumpkin Cake or Bars

Contact us

https:// www.unl.edu
https:// www.unl.edu
https:// www.unl.edu
https:// www.unl.edu
Email
food@unl.edu
https:// www.unl.edu
https:// www.unl.edu

Related links

  • Food Science and Technology Department
  • Nutrition and Health Sciences Department
  • Animal Science Department
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
  • MyPlate

Campus Links

  • Directory
  • Employment
  • Events
  • Libraries
  • Maps
  • News
  • Office of the Chancellor
  • Report an Incident

Policies & Reports

  • Accessibility Statement
  • Institutional Equity and Compliance
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination
  • Privacy Policy
  • Safety at Nebraska
  • Student Information Disclosures
UNL web framework and quality assurance provided by the Web Developer Network · QA Test
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Established 1869 · Copyright 2025