In a world that constantly promotes “more,” “now,” and “mine,” it is very easy for children to develop an entitlement mindset. Today, our children are daily bombarded with messages that fuel entitlement, encouraging them to want more, demand more, and expect more without giving anything in return. Also, social media, and endless advertising online and on the TV screen reinforces the belief that life is more about getting and instant gratification. Today’s article is about ” Teaching Children Gratitude: Raising Thankful Hearts in an Entitled World”
Indeed, there is a generation of children and teens who are walking through life feeling entitled and like the world owes them something. They expect something or rewards for doing nothing. They feel self-important, demand special treatment and always expect others to be at their beck and call. They are selfish, rarely show gratitude and think the world revolves around them. Unfortunately, if left unchecked, some of these traits will follow them into adulthood.
But as Christian parents, our calling is to counter this growing narrative by nurturing children who will always have a heart of gratitude. Gratitude is not just about being polite or saying “thank you”; it is having a deeper recognition of God’s goodness and faithfulness in all things – big, small, seen and unseen.
When you raise children to be thankful, you are equipping them with lifelong tools that allow for joy, peace, patience and resilience to grow in their lives. It also helps them see life as a gift given by God and lived by his grace. So, how can we teach our children to embrace gratitude in a world that often fosters entitlement.
Why You Should Teach Gratitude to Children
Gratitude is a Biblical Calling
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes gratitude as an important part of the Christian life. This verse also shows us that gratitude isn’t only for the good times but also for the bad times too. It is a discipline to embrace as individuals and practice in every season of life.
Teaching your children to give thanks and show gratitude helps them to understand that everything they have is a gift from God. Life is a gift from God. Being a part of a loving and caring family is a gift from God. A life of gratitude helps to shape character, learn humility and contentment while deepening your relationship with God.
How to Teach Gratitude to Children
1. Model Thankfulness
Gratitude starts with you. There is no better place where your children will learn gratitude than from you and within the four corners of your home. Children learn a great deal by observation. If they see gratitude reflected in your words and actions, they are more likely to imitate it. As a parent, you have the privilege of leading by example, as you consistently demonstrate a life of consistent thanksgiving. Here are some simple ways to model thankfulness to your children.
Pray Out Loud: Always include giving specific thanks in family prayers to show your kids the importance of recognizing God’s blessings.
Say “Thank You” Often: Learn to express appreciation to others—your spouse, children, friends, and even strangers—so that your children will learn to do the same. Teach and ensure that your children always say ‘thank you’ for help rendered and gifts given.
Share Stories of God’s goodness: Talk about how God has been faithful in your life, turning challenges into blessings and how gratitude has shaped your walk with God. Share with your children about how those who show gratitude open up their lives to more of God’s grace and blessings.
2. Combat Entitlement with Contentment
An entitled child always feels that he is owed more than he has or deserves. Entitlement thrives when children and even adults believe they deserve more than they have. But, a person who is content with God’s provision and blessings on his life per season will always show gratitude.
Children need to be content with what they have in each stage of life instead of whining about what they do not have and making excessive demands. Commit to teaching your children the joy of waiting and working for things they desire. Delayed gratification will often times build patience, resilience, gratitude, and a sense of accomplishment in your child
And you do not have to always give a child what he asks for. You need to help them know the difference between needs and wants. They need to learn to value people and the relationships in their lives more than material possessions. And as parents, we need to constantly remind them that spiritual blessings far outweigh material wealth and status. Your children must learn to set their eyes on eternal treasures not earthly treasures.
Some Practical Ways to Foster Contentment:
- Limit Excesses: Teach children that happiness doesn’t come from accumulating more toys, gadgets, or clothes.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Help them understand that not every want is a need. Teach the value of waiting and working for what they desire.
- Focus on Eternal Blessings: Remind your children that the greatest treasures are spiritual, not material. Matthew 6:19-21 is a great place to start as you point them to the words of Jesus who shows us that earthly treasures can be stolen and lost. This can help redirect their focus to eternal rewards.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” — 1 Timothy 6:6-7
3. Build Thankful Habits
Gratitude grows through intentional practice. Create opportunities for your children to express thankfulness regularly. Here are some simple daily practices to get started.
- Thankful Prayers: During bedtime and meal times, encourage your children to start off their prayers with thanksgiving. You can ask them during your family time together to share one thing they’re truly thankful for.
- Gratitude Journaling: Encourage your child to write down three things he/she is thankful for every day. This will open up his mind and heart to see God’s blessings – big and small in his everyday life.
- Thankful Affirmations: Make a list of affirmations together that will help nurture thankfulness and gratitude in the hearts of your children. Here is a simple list of affirmations below.
I am not entitled but thankful.
I am not selfish but selfless.
I am appreciative of what others do for me.
I am thankful to God for creating me.
I am thankful for the gift of my family.
I am thankful for the gift of a new day.
I am thankful for the gift of a sound mind.
I am thankful for the gift for loving and kind friends.
- Encourage sharing and giving
Thankfulness often shines through when children learn to give. Teaching children to share, help and give to others will kill selfishness and shift their focus to things that truly matter. It will also show them how helping and giving to others fosters a deeper appreciation for God’s blessings. Encourage your children to share their toys, clothes, books that they no longer need with the less privileged among them.
“Freely you have received; freely give.” — Matthew 10:8
4. Teach Gratitude through Scripture
The Bible is rich with verses about gratitude and giving thanks. You can use these scriptures as teaching tools during family devotions or when having random conversations. Create questions from these verses and use them to initiate conversations focused around thankfulness and gratitude. God’s word is the ultimate tool for shaping minds, attitudes, values and building character. Reading the bible and discussing verses together will help your children to internalize biblical principles about different areas of life including gratitude.
Some Verses to Teach Children About Gratitude
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 136:1
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” — James 1:17
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… And be thankful.” — Colossians 3:15
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 136:1
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”- Philippians 4:6-7:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
5. Gratitude in Tough Times
Our thankfulness must go beyond seasons of comfort to learning to be thankful at all times and in all seasons of life. Life won’t always be easy, and teaching your children to give thanks even in hardship will equip them to always trust God’s faithfulness no matter what. Let them see you show thankfulness and gratitude in your difficult seasons instead of murmuring and complaining. Here are some simple things ways to get started.
- Encourage them to find one thing to thank God for, even in challenging or tough situations.
- You can share bible stories like Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace, showing them how God works through trials.
- Tell them about Jesus who was faced with feeding a great multitude and how rather than complain, he gave thanks for what was available and the miracle that followed.
Raising children who are thankful and always quick to show appreciation in a world full of self-entitled people isn’t easy, but it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your children in today’s world. In the end, a grateful heart only reflects God’s love and goodness, brings joy to those around us, and glorifies God the giver of every good gift. In what ways are you teaching your children about gratitude today?
Signs that you are raising an entitled child
You can read also:
How to Be Thankful in Tough Times
Finding Joy and Growth Through Trials
