Are your kids just so used to getting lots of gifts, and the biggest and best of everything, that anything less on Christmas morning would result in temper tantrums?
How many of us have experienced that culture of "greed" on Christmas morning with Amy complaining because Archie got more presents than she did?
The world is an increasingly materialistic, consumer oriented place at the best of times, and at Christmas, that just gets worse. So how do we teach gratitude and generosity to our kids, and stop them becoming greedy, ungrateful so and so's?
Gratitude
Teaching gratitude starts with being a great role model for your kids. Show them that gratitude is something you apply to all your relationships, be it with their Mother, their Father, friends, other family members or co-workers. Here are some ideas for teaching gratitude:-
- Show your kids you appreciate others for just who they are - not for what they have given you;
- Kids are like sponges - they will absorb everything they see you hear and do. Make a conscious effort not to complain in front of them - you'll be erasing negativity from your life as well as theirs;
- Find a time each day when everyone talks about something they feel thankful for. It could be round the dinner table, or when you're all getting ready for bed.
Generosity
It's time to start teaching your kids that generosity isn't about how much you spend on a person. It's about doing something for others who are less fortunate than you are. Here are some ideas for helping those less fortunate than you are this Christmas:-
- Get your kids to clear out some old toys they don't need or want anymore and donate them to a local charity;
- Why not volunteer as a family at a local shelter or food bank over the holidays?;
- Bake a batch of homemade cookies and take them to your local nursing home.
The old saying "it's better to give than to receive" is so true. Try applying it to your own Christmas this year, and see just how much better it makes you feel.
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