I love my kids but they all go through different phases. Lately, my kids have seemed very entitled and ungrateful for what they have and what we do for them. I tried to think of ways to turn this around and I came up with a few ways to remind them of how blessed they are.
1. Dinnertime thankfulness: Every night at dinner, we are going around the table saying one thing we are grateful for that day. It may not be much but it gives us a chance to reflect on the blessings we received that day and it usually becomes a good conversation starter.
2. Work before you play: My kids have had chores for a while but they just have to get them done sometime during the day. This Summer we have done a lot of fun activities in the community and their gratitude for that has not been reflected in their behavior. So, they have to do their chores before I will take them to do anything fun or have friends over. I want them to understand that going to the pool, play dates, etc are a privilege, not a right.
3. Giving and serving: I have been talking to them a lot about how much they have compared to most kids around the world. I think that conversation can be done without becoming a giant guilt trip (at lease I hope). I had them gather up toys to donate to a local charity and we are talking about other opportunities for them to serve.
How do you encourage an attitude of gratitude in your home?
We do #3 a lot.
ReplyDeleteI'm mostly trying to instill this in my step-son who does not live with us, so it's very difficult and I really feel like I'm making no ground. Chores are hard to hold him accountable for since he's not there all the time. The most he does is hang up his own laundry (he's 9) and I know that he does next to nothing at his mom's.
I'm curious as to your children's ages and what exactly their chores are?
I love your #1. I've been thinking about reading a little of the bible before we start eating, or while we are, so that we can have a sort of bible study. It's hard to find time to do it otherwise.
I have a 7, 4 and almost 1 year old.
ReplyDeleteThe 7 and 4 year old have simple daily chores (setting the table, feeding the dog, bringing down the laundry, bringing down their bathroom trash, etc)