I don't believe it is news to anyone that we live a blessed existence. Even with the economic "crisis" we live in the most economically advantaged country in the world. We throw away more food in one day than many people eat in a week. There is an upside and a downside in this for our children.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs states that a primary need for humans is safety and security. Our children benefit from plentiful food and a roof over their heads. It is especially important to meet these needs when children are very small and foundations for a healthy adulthood are being set. In this sense abundance is a blessing.
On the other hand, abundance (and especially overabundance) can cause some very unhealthy outcomes for our kids. A sense of entitlement is very unattractive. Materialism and ungratefulness are also common results. How do we give our children what they need and want while maintaining a sense of gratefulness on their part? How do you do this without inducing guilt?
There are several things a parent can do and, as usual, it starts with you! Your example is critical. Expressing your thankfulness everyday will model for your children. Be thankful, out loud, to God for all of your blessings. Sharing your abundance is another way to help your children learn to be grateful. Have them sift through their toys and donate some to a shelter. Bring cans of food to church for the Hands of Christ pantry. Write a letter to a shut-in. Go to www.anysoldier.com for ideas on how to encourage a soldier. Anything that encourages them to think beyond themselves will encourage an attitude of gratefulness.
Once again, and I know I say it often, your example of gratefulness is one of the most important gifts you can give your children.
Kathy
2 comments:
I think about this quite a bit focusing on how to expose the kiddos to the blessings they enjoy by exposing them to things that they take for granted. For example, IKE was a great opportunity to show them how lucky we are to have the basic amenities that a lot of the world struggles with (there was no way we were evacuating). But I usually neglect the simple gratefulness. Great Post.
And yeah I read your blog so keep the posts coming. :)
thanks!! I remember one day showing my kids a picture in the Houston Chronicle of a starving child. I felt a bit bad but they were throwing away enough food to feed a small nation. I really didn't want them to feel guilty but I did want them to feel grateful. Thanks for reading!!
K
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