“What do you need to say now?” I ask my two-year-old after I hand him his Lightning McQueen sippy cup.”Ank you.” He smiles as he tries his best to say “thank you.”
As much as I’d like to believe I won’t have to remind him again, I most definitely will.
After all, thankfulness (for both adults and children) takes practice.
As parents, it’s our job to teach our kids to be grateful for the things they’ve been given. Here are a few tips to help you do that:
Tips for Raising Thankful Kids:
1. Model thankfulness.
As parents we are setting the example for our kids. If we are thankful, they will probably follow our lead. On the other hand, if we constantly complain about our lives, they will learn to complain about theirs as well.
So say “thank you” to your spouse when he does something for you. Thank you child when he puts his plate in the dishwasher. Send thank you notes when you receive gifts. Allow your children to eavesdrop on your prayers of thanksgiving.
2. Require “thank yous” and thank you cards.
Make it the norm in your home to send thank you cards after birthdays and to say “thank you” on a regular basis. When I notice thankfulness is lacking is my home, I require a thank you before I fulfill a request. If my son wants me to pour him a glass of milk, he must say “thank you” before I hand him the glass.
3. Memorize Bible verses about being thankful.
In my post last week, I shared about a great downloadable resource with thankfulness Bible verses. Or, just start with 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
4. Serve with your children.
Nothing helps your children realize how much they are blessed better than exposing them to those who are less fortunate. Instead of shielding your kids from those who are struggling, encourage them to reach out and help (with your supervision, of course). Make service a regular part of your life.
5. Practice being thankful every day.
One great (and easy) way to do this is by asking this question at dinner each night: “What are you thankful for today?” Allow everyone the chance to answer the question and then take a moment to thank God for those blessings.
