We live in a time when almost everything is sold for money. This may sound like I’m just being grumpy, but that’s not the case at all. Greed and blind desire are almost built into society, so it makes sense that our children will once again be the ones who suffer the most.
How many times have you been to a child’s birthday party where a normally nice and well-behaved kid turned into a “Gimme!” bitch? Not long ago, did you talk to a kid who knew that the holidays were not just about candy and presents?
Kids have a hard time learning what the holidays are really about when the world around them is messed up. The holidays should be about kindness, family, and gratitude.
But how do you really teach them this?
Be a model of gratitude
Many of us find it hard to see the good things that happen to us every day because our lives are so busy. A lot of the time, we think about and even stress over all the bad things that don’t really change our lives. Sometimes it’s good to let off steam, but if our kids see us dwelling on the bad and ignoring the good, it will be very hard to teach them how important it is to be happy.
Instead of whining and getting angry about all the little and big things that bother you every day, focus on the good things that happen. Thank people who help you in any way, even if they do it for you professionally. Enjoy a nice day, a tasty meal, and time with your family and friends.
Make feeling gratitude a big part of your child’s life.
To Help Others
Giving back to the community is one of the most powerful ways to teach your kids to be happy and grateful. As you (and they) help other people, they will learn what it’s like to be thanked, and they will understand how powerful it is.
Giving to others during the holidays is not only a great way to learn to be thankful, but it’s also something we should all strive for. Go help out a charity in your area, and make sure your kids learn how to do it too. If there is a soup kitchen near you, make some food together as a family and then take it there.
Adopt a family for the holidays if you live in a place that lets you. Being able to give someone a place to live and delicious holiday food will make you feel very good.
It doesn’t have to be anything big or official to help other people. One idea is to take your kids to their grandparents’ house and let them help them prepare for the holidays. Putting up their Christmas trees and other decorations will be the best gift they can give their grandparents, and it will teach your kids to be grateful.
Lessen the stuff you own
Your kids should always know they should be grateful for gifts and treasure what they have, but you should also make sure they know that things are not the most important thing in the world.
Children are often mean to kids whose parents don’t have as much money because they are focused on having things. This trend starts early in life. This is clear at school, where kids whose parents don’t have a lot of money are made fun of for not getting brand-name clothes or the newest phone for Christmas.
These things are wrong, and your kids need to know that how much stuff someone has has nothing to do with what kind of person they are.
Love, kindness, and being nice to people will always be more important than money, teach your kids this.
Real gratitude will come easily after that.
