Let’s face it. When things aren’t going our way it’s really hard to be thankful.
Let me just give you some examples:
You’re walking around in Target (in your yoga pants, with your Java Chip Frappuccino, obviously) and your child asks to go look at the toy aisle. Sure! Why not? You go to said toy aisle and let them peruse for a good 15 minutes before you ask them if they’re ready to go get what you came for so you can get back home. Then all hell breaks loose. Your kid becomes a demon and screaming at the top of his lungs for the last Lego Ninja Turtle set they have. You calmly remind them that they have enough toys and that you were just letting them look. Then he proceeds to throw himself on the floor and refuses to get up and all the other moms look at you and praise Jesus that it’s you and not them! Or maybe your husband just got laid off of work. Or maybe you discovered that your insurance was going up $500/month.
Well, you can imagine that in those situations it’s hard to be thankful. And how do you teach your kids to be thankful for the things they have? How can you live a thankful life? Let’s start from a young age, teaching them to have thankful hearts and see the good in all things.
Something we love to do with our kids before bedtime is to ask everyone this simple question: “For what are you thankful?” That question usually opens up several minutes of good conversation before they go to bed. It’s so great for them to really think about several things for which they are truly thankful from the day. It can be whatever they want. Maybe they’re thankful that you made their favorite meal for dinner. Maybe they’re thankful that they didn’t have to do dishes tonight. Whatever it is, use this time to really connect with them and listen to what they have to say. This is really one of my most favorite things we do with our kids and when they’re older, I’ll encourage them to keep a journal of the things for which they are thankful.
It’s so easy to find ourselves always wanting more that we forget to stop and give thanks. Let’s not wait until November to remember to be thankful. Tonight, I urge you to ask this one question before bedtime. Make sure you tell them the things for which you are thankful as well. What a great way to end the day. You get a chance to really connect with each child and you will all fall asleep with thankful hearts and good memories.
So, tell me: for what are you thankful right now?
