Faith for Flourishing

There has always been a disconnect between older generations and the ones that follow. One of the oldest fragments of written word is an old guy grumbling about “kids-these-days.” So how do we know if we are raising thankful kids? Lecturing and criticizing, although tempting, are not the solution. So, how can we cultivate gratitude in our kids? Let’s explore a few key principles that can guide us on this journey.

The first principle: It is impossible to be thankful for something without recognizing its value. To instill gratitude in our children, we must teach them the importance of time, money, and effort. It is when adult children have truly grasped the value of things that they begin to appreciate their parents. We have the opportunity to do better by imparting this wisdom to our own kids. However, this does not mean bombarding them with constant lectures on prices and costs. Instead, we can encourage them to observe and appreciate the actions of others, particularly when they sacrifice for their loved ones. By recognizing the sacrifices people make, we can open their eyes to the concept of sacrifice itself. We teach our children how to see these things.

The second principle reminds us that we cannot guilt our children into being or doing something that we ourselves are not willing to be or do. Children are highly perceptive, and they learn by observing our actions. If we want our kids to be thankful individuals, we must lead by example. Demonstrating gratitude in our own lives, expressing appreciation for the things we have, and acknowledging the efforts of others will set the stage for our children to follow suit.

Raising thankful kids requires a intentional effort to break free from the cycle of dissatisfaction and grumbling. It calls for a shift in our approach, focusing on teaching the value of things rather than simply lecturing. By imparting the understanding of time, money, and effort, we can help our children develop a genuine appreciation for the blessings in their lives. Moreover, leading by example and practicing gratitude ourselves will create a ripple effect, influencing our children to cultivate thankfulness in their own lives.

Raising thankful kids is not an easy task, but it is a worthwhile endeavor. Teaching them the value of time, money, and effort and modeling gratitude in our own lives will foster an environment where thankfulness thrives. As parents, let’s break free from the cycle of grumpiness and dissatisfaction, and instead, guide our children towards a life filled with gratitude and contentment.