10 Ways To Teach Appreciation To Teens

Does this generation even know what it is like to have nothing?  That thought has crossed my mind a lot. As my children and I watch TV all I hear is “Mommy can I have that”? My first assumption was that as a mom I have missed something. Sometimes it seems that there is no appreciation for what we have or have earned.  Earning something is part of the process.

For example, my oldest son who is now 17 came home with a raise. He works part-time and has been given a raise.  Now first, let me say that he is a hard worker. As a homeschooler he does manage his time well.  When focused he is very diligent.

When I asked him does he know that he has a great job his response was ” Yes, but the cost of living is more today than it was when you were young”. He doesn’t have a cost of living! My son lives with us. Anyway handing something to kids, teenagers, toddlers or just about anyone doesn’t give them the great privilege of earning it. Part of the journey is earning the wage. It gives satisfaction. Am I right? Part of his new financial curriculum for homeschool will be the smart money course that Dave Ramsey has for teenagers.  This will maybe enlighten him on the cost of living.

Teaching Appreciation:

1. Let them earn it. That is not treating them badly.
2. Work with them on satisfaction of a gift. Even a gift that they do not like.  Thank you notes still need to be sent out.
3. Remind them of history.  Show them pictures of your childhood or a grandparents.
4. Compile stories of days past so that they will know that when children earned a dollar it was a BIG deal.
5. Look up reasons to appreciate.  Have them write down the reasons.
6. Find out what they appreciate. Communicate. Talk with them about what you appreciate.
7. Give them steps to earning a reward. Then watch to see the appreciation on their faces.
8. Don’t always give a gift.  Give a memory. Memories last longer.
9. Post the word APPRECIATION and work on character traits.  Reward for traits that show appreciation. If you homeschool set aside during school to work on this trait.
10. Have them volunteer for a homeless shelter. Let them see for themselves what others may not have.

All of these ideas are ones that I am putting in place, or have put in place.  I want them to appreciate what they have.  It is important so when they are older they will be more at peace and content. Appreciation can also be modeled….remember they model what parents model.

For more posts on teens:

5 Ways To Teach Your Teens About A Budget

Teaching Your Kids To Be Thankful