Raising Children is not as easy as a pie. It’s important to work towards meeting their daily needs, but don’t allow your gestures give them a sense of entitlement.
Does giving our children everything they desire and ask for guarantee a grateful attitude? Sadly, that is not the case. Rather it gives them a sense of entitlement that they can always get what they want.
The truth is that the more you give them, the more insatiable their appetite for more becomes.
Does this mean you should stop buying them gifts and other necessities?
The answer is No, but we can teach them how to cultivate a grateful attitude of contentment and appreciation for the things you buy and do for them.
Here Are 5 Practical Ways To Raise Grateful Kids
LEARN TO SAY NO
At times saying No to our children can be extremely difficult but if saying No will help to curb the feelings of entitlement. When children realize that they cannot always get what they want, they learn to wait and to understand that they do not get everything they want.
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PROVIDE A WAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO EARN MONEY
Creating an opportunity for your children to work in order to earn an income, a gift or a Christmas gift can be as little as washing dishes, running errands etc. This helps them cultivate a grateful attitude and also understand the value of hard work.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARITY
Teaching your children the 10/10/80 concept of giving away 10%, saving 10%, and using the rest of their money for their personal needs will teach them how to care for other people and also teach them financial responsibility.
KEEP A FAMILY GRATITUDE JOURNAL
Having a family gratitude journal that you can use to write down everything your family is grateful for is a great idea to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Get your children to participate by sharing some of the things they are grateful for on a daily basis. Start one today and see the value of teaching them to be intentional when it comes to being thankful.
SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN
Children learn more from what you do not what you say. Spending time with your children and having them see you practice gratitude goes a long way in changing their attitude. Teaching them your values, manners (how to say thank you, please etc.) and the word of God is not enough if they cannot see you doing same. Model the behaviour you want and it will stick.
Source: LagosMums.
