Teaching our children to be thankful is not easy. One of our default modes for this as parents is to lecture our kids about all they have. This lecture method, even though it’s words are true, is not as effective as many of us would like. Perhaps that is because giving thanks isn’t based on how much we have. The versus below talk about giving thanks in EVERYTHING.
Ephesians 5:20 (NLT) And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
“Everything" and “in all circumstances” are pretty all inclusive words. The bottom line is that we should give thanks regardless of what we have. Giving thanks is more about our heart than our stuff. So shepherd your child’s heart toward thankfulness by teaching them to be generous. After all we are supposed to GIVE thanks.
Here are a few ideas to help your children learn to give.
Have your children divide the money they receive (from gifts, a job, or anywhere else) into three banks or envelopes. On for save, one for give, and one for spend. I usually recommend a minimum of 10% to my kids for the give and save envelopes.
Have your children give from what they receive. At Christmas or any other time that they usually receive, have your children give from the gifts or money they get. This will take some preparation and discussion ahead of time. Several parents that I have talked to have found this to be a powerful experience in the lives of their children.
Next week we are going to continue talking about this theme of giving. I believe as children give they learn thankfulness from the graciousness of others. Generosity is a contagious thing.
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