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Raising Thankful Kids

Categories: Preschoolers, Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Teens & tweens, Holidays, Playground Bureau, Religion & Spirituality

saying graceWe live in a highly consumer-driven culture here in the good old U. S. of A. If you don't believe me, spend a few hours watching TV with your kids. You'll see commercials for every kind of toy under the sun.

Kids are drowning in messages that tell them it's OK to ask for whatever they want, and to expect that they will receive it.

So just how are we supposed to raise thankful kids in this environment?

Well, it's simple, really. Raise them with the understanding that they are truly blessed, and that it is their responsibility to contribute to the community at large. Easier said than done, I know. It's hard work to fight the "I wants," especially when even the grown-ups occasionally get a bad case of the gimme-gimmes. Give me an hour with the Pottery Barn catalog and I'll find 10 new ways to spend thousands of dollars.

However, there are some strategies you can employ to fight back against Madison Avenue, especially this time of year. One parenting expert devised the following list of tips to help raise thankful kids:

Wanting vs. Needing: Oh, this is a good one. How many times have you said "I need" when talking about some totally extraneous item you wanted? Explain to kids that they don't really "need" a new gaming system. A need is something much more basic, like food, shelter and warm clothing. It's OK to want stuff, but make them aware that their needs are actually taken care of, and that is something to be thankful for.

Giving Back: Activities like serving dinner in a soup kitchen or visiting the elderly during the holidays can teach kids that giving is as rewarding as getting. It also reinforces the idea of "need vs. want."

Get Some Perspective:
When my husband worked in the inner city as an elementary-school teacher, the only gifts some of his students received at the holidays were from him. You can gently reinforce this lesson with your children by doing things like participating in a local toy drive, and encouraging your child to help you choose the gift you donate.

Last but not least? Remember to count your own blessings. Your kids are watching, and if you remember to be thankful for what you have, they will be, too.

How do you teach your children to be thankful?

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