God Help Me Raise Thankful KidsSample

Put Gratitude in the Attitude!

As parents, we can motivate our kids and put gratitude back in their attitude! The most effective way to teach a child to have a thankful attitude is to model thankfulness in our own lives. 

In the verses we read today, God calls us to give thanks in all circumstances. Thanksgiving is to be a way of life for us—an attribute that naturally flows from our hearts. So often, gratefulness isn’t our natural reaction. Instead, we get a case of the “gimmes”—give me this, give me that or I deserve that. That entitlement is not honoring to God. Instead, we are called to “give thanks” in all circumstances.

If we are to model thankfulness to our kids, we have to first understand it. Let’s dig into Scripture and see why gratefulness is held as such a high attribute in the life of a believer. 

First, in our Bible reading today, we read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 which tells us that a thankful heart is God’s will for each of us! He has given us everything we need to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.

Second, we saw in Psalm 136:1 that we are called to gratefulness because God is good. His constant goodness is catalyst for us to be thankful. We also learned in this verse that we can be thankful because God’s love endures forever. Apart from Him, we have nothing. It is only because of His goodness and love that we have life.

Ask yourself, what am I thankful for right now? Share those things aloud with your kids today. 

That brings honor to God and teaches a valuable lesson at the same time!

Suggested Prayer:

God, I want to model thankfulness to my children. I want them to see how gratefulness can change my heart and my reaction to the busyness of life. I confess my tendency to complain when, in reality, I have so much to be thankful for. Change me. Give me a heart of thankfulness today. Amen.

Activity Idea:

• Several times today, shout out “STOP.” Each time, ask each of your children to share 5 things they are thankful for.