Do you ever feel like your children are spoiled? In other words, privileged, but not grateful?
I could honestly say that even as parents, sometimes we may be privileged and take it for granted, as well.
Questions to reflect on regarding your child’s gratefulness:
- Do your kids not have a concept on how much things cost, and think it’s okay to buy things because we “have the money?”
- Would they rather have junk food, instead of a delicious and healthy meal that you made for them?
- Are their toys just never enough?
- Does complaining become a regular thing?
If so, here are some tips to overcome that:
- Try to get them to volunteer with kid-friendly activities, such as visiting an assisted living home, have them draw cards for children in hospitals, help drop off foods at the food bank.
- Explain the difference between needs and wants and practice it with them on a regular basis.
- Tell them stories about other parts of the country and the world, where people do not have as much and live differently. It could also help to show them pictures of how others live and survive.
- Talk regularly as a family for what you are thankful for (during dinner time, on the weekends, or right before bed).
This is good for kids, especially at a pre-teenage. Give him/her an “allowance” at the beginning of the week, using fake money that you can find at a dollar store. This includes giving them a set amount each week, in exchange for completing whatever chore they are responsible for the week/day, and to post a price list of things on the refrigerator or any place they can easily see. For example
- $5 for 10 minutes of ipad play time.
- $2 for extra snacks
- $1 for juice and other flavored drinks
- 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) = Free
- Water = Free
This shows them how much things cost, such as food and electricity, and how fast their money can disappear if they are not aware of their spending. Note: Make sure you’re not overly giving them the “fake money”, so that they can learn to budget and spend their money wisely as well.
These are all easier said than done, but it will most likely have a positive influence on them in terms of being more appreciative for the present and the future.