How can I teach my children about gratitude without blurting out things like, "I'm sure the kids in _____(fill in the blank with any disadvantaged country) would LOVE to have your ______ (bed to make, food, piano lessons, shower with hot water, clothes to pick up off of the floor...)!!!
I know that gratitude most likely comes more from experience than lectures. I know that as they get older, my children will meet people and go places that will give them reason to reflect on their own blessings of good health and comfort. I know that as they grow, they will spend time with family and friends that will reaffirm their feelings of joy and happiness at being part of a strong community.
However...
A few days ago one of my children was unreasonably upset that we only had cinnamon raisin bagels in the house, not blueberry. And I really did say, "If you were in Haiti today someone might shoot you so they could have that cinnamon raisin bagel." I have never cringed so hard and wanted to push a magic rewind button so badly.
Surely there must be a better way...
If you know what it is, please share.
3 comments:
I guess I don't have the right answers either.I would have said exactly what you did and then showed them the pictures on MSNBC to prove it!
Just remind yourself that kids are unbelieveably self absorbed for the next ten years and it's not something they can help. I remember being there :-)
One of my friends takes her kids every so often to the soup kitchen or homeless shelter to serve food... she raves and RAVES over the amount of humility that her kids are served up at the same time
I did the same thing last week when Katie Brooke was complaining that her new "eyelash extensions" were a teeny bit too long...drama for about an hour until I mentioned Haiti. The complaining stopped. Your kids are sweet Heather, and you have taught them well....their behavior is very normal.
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