*Thankful For*

Thankful For: My Children

Today I am thankful for my Children. I look at them and know that I am so blessed. God is so wonderful!

As I was thinking about them I was wondering how,we as parents instill an attitude of gratitude into the lives of our children? How do we make children realize that they have much for which they can be thankful? How do we teach them the admonition found in 1 Chronicles 16:34: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever" (NIV)? 

Here are some ways we can do that:

Give Love, Not Just Rewards. 

A thankful attitude is alive in people who appreciate what they have. When parents reward their children for every accomplishment, or bribe their children with monetary rewards for good behavior, those children begin to expect rewards. Rewards should be reserved for special times.Give a "hug" or say "I love you" to show how proud of them you are, or how happy you are for them doing something right.

Give Your Child Responsibility. 

I think that children who are given more responsibility in their own home and for their own possessions take more pride in what they have. In turn, they are more thankful.

Get Involved In Your Community. 

It helps children understand how to appreciate and be thankful for the health of their own lives when they see how sick others are. The holiday season is the perfect time to start a new tradition in your family: get involved in community projects.

Be A Role Model. 

Children imitate us parents, so let your children see a thankful attitude in your own life. 

Make Thankfulness A Year-Round Concept.      

It sometimes seems that we stress thankfulness only during the months of November and December. If thankful attitudes are practiced all year long; however, children will learn that those attitudes should be a way of life. First Thessalonian 5:18 reminds us that we are "to give thanks in all circumstances" (NIV); we are truly supposed to be thankful at all times.  

Be thankful for your children. They are a blessing from the Lord.