How do you teach your children gratitude?
In an environment where pretty much anything is easily accessible, it becomes increasingly important to teach children about gratitude and not taking things for granted.
As a mom, I work hard daily to make sure my kids have manners, compassion, and care for those around them. The need for them to be considerate and kind is very important to me. One of the attributes I want them to have is gratitude for what they have.
Read: Jane - Women need to take time to be kind to themselves
Instead of being on the hunt for acquiring more, I want them to rather stop and take stock of what they have and be happy with that. However, it is an uphill battle sometimes in a world that is obsessed with instant gratification and materialistic trappings.
Personally, I love new things and work to afford things I desire. As a parent, I understand that I have to lead by example, and teach them that they too have to work hard for what they want.
The other day I purchased a soft, golden Madeira loaf for the kids and there was much excitement at the dinner table at the thought of a piece of the sweet cake. Two of the kids finished their food and were given a piece, but when it came to the third one, he verbalised how his slice was small and why couldn't it be better.
Read: Jane - We need more acts of kindness like this in the world
It was in that moment I had to play bad wolf and calmly took the cake away from him. He was horrified, to say the least, but I had to let him know that the comment he made is the reason why the cake was taken away. You can imagine, there was a lot of snot and tears, but sadly that's the way the Madeira cake crumbles!
He went to bed and I had to have a chat with him, that in life you get what you get and to not get upset over how big or small something is and to be grateful instead.
Read: Love across the racial divide
Guess what? The following night after dinner when it came to cake time he was so happy and thankful for his piece. It's hard being the bad wolf but it's always done with pure intentions.
What have you done to teach your children about gratitude?
I look forward to hearing your stories in the comments section below.