Kindles, Galaxy, Iphone, Ipad, Playstation 4, Netflix , TV and radio are all sources of entertainment for us and our children. There are probably many others that I am missing but those are the ones that come to my mind. Only because we have them in our household. Is it a problem when kids EXPECT these electronics? Teaching kids to be thankful in today’s world is very important. Fifty years ago one or two toys were needed to keep children occupied, now they go from a bin of toys to electronics, mutiple books and so on and so on.
Most of our electronics are used for homeschool. they come in very handy to look up an educational movie or video. Does too much stuff make us feel more blessed, or is it all taken for granted? In the next few weeks I hope to post a few ways of teaching gratitude that may give your family some ideas. No, I don’t mean take these items away, but I do think kids should be thankful for what they have.
Show Them Pictures Of Children Less Fortunate
Occasionally when we have discussions with our children on why we don’t waste, or that they really don’t need another toy and there are kids who do not get alot.They get puzzled looks on their faces so I will bring up pictures on the internet of kids in other countries. We will research the countries and give information on the charities that exist to help children in that region.
It is still in my first grader’s mind the pictures of toys that little boys play with in Tanzania. I chose that country because we have a Compassion child whom we write back and forth.
Does this mean these children are missing out? I don’t think so, their lives may not be that comfortable, but they look like they have alot of fun with homemade toys.
Showing pictures gives a visual reminder to children that we can live on less than we have. Contentment as a child would mean contentment as an adult. Lessons from childhood carry over into our adult lives.
As parents are we showing good examples and teaching our kids to be thankful? Many of you are parents like me and I would really love to hear if you feel your kids are thankful or is it an area that needs to be worked on.
Michelle
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