Thankfulness is a virtue we want our children to have. But where does thankful come from? How do we impress it upon our children?
Teaching by example seems to be the most effective way to ingrain good character qualities into our boys and girls. Parents, grandparents, close relatives, and guardians, are tasked with training up a child. Are we deliberately setting the thankful bar high enough? Or, are young ears hearing more whining, grumbling, and angry outbursts than appreciation and praise?
Biblical examples help us stay focused. Psalm 9:1 says (NIV): I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. We can begin by making our own list of the wonderful blessings we’ve received. Share this list with family members.
We can speak openly, at least once a day, about one thing we are thankful for as we interact with our children. “I’m so thankful God gave us you.” “I’m feeling thankful for the pretty flowers, butterflies, pine cones, doggies with wagging tails, …” “You did such a nice job of putting the toys away. Thank you.” “I’m thankful we are able to help a family in need.” “My heart is so grateful for all we have.”
A couple times a week ask children how their day went. “What is one thing you are thankful for today?” Better yet, keep a special tablet handy to write down the blessings. Later in the year, read them again.
Genuine gratitude is caught much more than it is taught. To tell a child to do something that we are not modeling is hypocritical. A happy home is a home where the presence of thankfulness abounds.
