fiddledeedee32Tips on teaching thankfulness.
Have you noticed that so many kids today just aren’t thankful? I mean, I know there have always been children that weren’t thankful and felt like they were entitled to more, it’s not just kids today. However, I feel like it’s more so now than it has been.
As parents, it is our job to teach our children to be thankful for what they have. First, you have to figure out why the child isn’t grateful to begin with. Once you figure that out, it’ll be easier to reverse that mentality.
One of the biggest reasons that I believe kids are like this is because they are given every want that they have. They see a new toy, game etc. and it’s given to them. That is just asking for your kids to be ungrateful. You’re just giving and giving. So they think they’re entitled to anything and everything they see and want. That’s a hard one, cause I know, of course, we wanna give our children the world. But, it’s just not a good idea. I know, I get it! We want them happy. But in the long run, that’s not going to make them happy. That will create unhappy, spoiled and ungrateful child. None of us want that.
Aside from getting everything they want. (Which goes right along with it) A question to ask yourself is are you following through with punishment?
For example, say your little one wants to go to a movie. But they aren’t picking up toys like you have asked them to do. You tell them they are not going to the movie because they aren’t listening. An hour later you finally get them to pick up and they expect to go to the movie. Are you taking them? Or are you letting them know it’s too late because they didn’t listen?
What I would suggest, is tell them maybe you can go another day if they learn to listen to what they are told. If you take them anyway, you’re teaching them that they don’t have to listen to you and can still get whatever they want anyway.
(Even if it’s a movie you want to see, you have to stand firm! 😁)
Now I wanna talk about influences. To me, this is huge because who your children are around or what they watch on tv and so forth, could make an impact. I’m not one of those strict parents that only allow G rated movies, however, if your child has a problem being grateful, it’s probably not a good idea to let them watch a movie about a rich spoiled kid who has everything he wants. You see? Then they will think it’s normal to throw a fit to get their way or not to listen and do what they are asked. In their minds, it’s like, if they can do it, I can do it type thing.
The same goes for who they hang around. If they see their friends acting that way, it could very well rub off on them. If you notice that they have a spoiled friend like this, try talking to your child. Let them know that behavior is not good and say something along the lines of, “I’m so blessed that you don’t act that way.” Reinforce their good behavior, often!
The last thing I will say that contributes to that way of thinking is bad manners. Teach your children manners starting at a young age. Manners matter. If your child is not saying please when they ask for something, or thank you when they get something, you need to stop and have them say it. Don’t let them get away with not saying it. Do this every single time. Even if they or you’re in a hurry or have a busy schedule. Talk while you move.
Let your kids hear you using your manners. Always. You are their biggest influence. They look up to you!
Reward them! You don’t have to be all, “Since you used manners we are going to go shopping today.” But, as long as they are doing good, do fun things with them. Let them choose activities, go to a friend’s, go to the zoo etc. If you notice them starting to slip, remind them, but if it’s happening more after that, I would stop letting them do special things. Over time they will get it. And it will be totally worth it! You and your kids both will be so much happier!
This sets them up for success in life. They are learning they are not supposed to just be handed everything. They have to work for it and they will be grateful for what they have.
Another thing I would suggest, is have your child, (or your whole family) volunteer at a shelter or soup kitchen. That way they are helping others who are less fortunate and, they will see that they should be grateful for all they have. It is amazing what an eye opener this can be!
*Bonus*
With Thanksgiving coming up, have your child, (if they’re old enough) write something that they are thankful for each day. If they are not old enough to write you can write it for them. You could make a Thankful Tree with construction paper and put it on the wall and add leaves to it every day. You could even use real tree branches! Another option would be to make a turkey out of an old box, and put the leaves in the turkey. On Thanksgiving Day you can read everything that they are thankful for.
I hope this post will help you. Let me know if there are any tips that you could add. I would love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you so much for stopping by! I love all of you so much and wish you all good luck with everything!
Until next time!
All my love,
Angela xoxo