An Attitude of Gratitude [One Minute Feature] - Trace Embry

We certainly live in an era of overabundance. For the most part, whatever we desire is at our fingertips. We drive nice cars, have all the latest smartphones, and eat out weekly. Not only that, we get these things much faster than generations before. Instant gratification is the name of the game.

How does growing up in this type of society affect our children? Do they also expect to get whatever they want at the drop of a hat? With all this instant overabundance, how can we teach our kids to be grateful for what they have?

How to Instill a Grateful Spirit in Our Children

When you refuse to make a purchase for your child, is there a tantrum, guilt trip, or nagging involved? These are all signs of an ungrateful heart. People, including our kids, are never more emotionally and spiritually healthy than when they’re grateful.
Gratefulness can be taught in a couple of ways. First, don’t always get them what they want, when they want it. Second, let them have some skin in the game. Teach them the value of delayed gratification, and earning what they receive. Having our kids work and save for the little extras in life will not only make them more grateful, it will also teach them to make more discriminant purchases as well.

Photo via: Pixabay