Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World

1. Entitlement is a growing problem, but gratitude is the antidote

When entitlement's poison begins to infect our hearts, gratitude is the antidote.

Entitlement defined: Entitlement is the feeling or belief that you deserve to be given something, whether you've earned it or not. It's a pervasive problem in our culture, affecting both adults and children.

Gratitude as the solution: Practicing gratitude can counteract entitlement by:

• Shifting focus from what we lack to what we have
• Fostering contentment and appreciation
• Developing a more positive outlook on life

Practical ways to cultivate gratitude:

• Keep a family gratitude journal
• Practice saying "thank you" regularly
• Serve others as a family
• Discuss and appreciate the small things in life

2. Teaching kids absolute truth prepares them for life's challenges

We must teach our kids that there are clear absolute truths that not only protect us—they also provide for us.

Absolute truth defined: Absolute truth is an objective standard for distinguishing right from wrong that exists independently of personal opinion or cultural norms.

Importance of teaching absolute truth:

• Provides a moral compass for decision-making
• Helps kids navigate complex ethical situations
• Prepares them to stand firm in their beliefs

Ways to teach absolute truth:

• Use the Bible as a foundation for moral instruction
• Discuss real-life ethical dilemmas and how to approach them
• Model consistency between beliefs and actions
• Encourage critical thinking about cultural messages

3. Technology and media require active parenting and clear boundaries

We can't be passive and assume dangers on the Internet or problems in social media won't touch my children.

Digital age challenges: Today's children have unprecedented access to technology and media, which can expose them to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and addictive behaviors.

Active parenting strategies:

• Set clear rules and expectations for device use
• Use parental controls and monitoring software
• Teach digital literacy and online safety
• Model healthy technology habits

Practical boundaries to consider:

• No devices in bedrooms at night
• Scheduled "tech-free" times for the family
• Age-appropriate access to social media
• Regular check-ins on online activity

4. Obedience and discipline are crucial, but must be balanced with grace

Obedience is a learned behavior that places our authority over our kids. Without this authority, there is recklessness.

Importance of obedience: Children need to learn to respect authority and follow rules to function well in society and develop self-discipline.

Balancing discipline with grace:

• Consistently enforce rules and consequences
• Explain the reasons behind rules and expectations
• Show empathy and understanding when children struggle
• Offer second chances and opportunities for growth

Practical discipline strategies:

• Use natural consequences when possible
• Implement a consistent reward system
• Practice positive reinforcement
• Tailor discipline to each child's personality and needs

5. Creating a Christ-centered home starts with parents' example

We are training our children for life, but we have to do so in love and with grace, careful not to crush them with our expectations or discipline.

Christ-centered home defined: A home where Jesus is the central focus, influencing daily decisions, relationships, and priorities.

Key elements of a Christ-centered home:

• Regular family devotions and prayer
• Serving others together
• Practicing forgiveness and grace
• Prioritizing church involvement

Parents as role models:

• Demonstrate a personal relationship with Christ
• Model Christ-like behavior in daily interactions
• Be transparent about struggles and growth
• Apologize when you make mistakes

6. Delayed gratification and hard work build character and appreciation

Sometimes the best way to help our kids is to not help them. They often become resourceful and responsible when we simply let them.

Benefits of delayed gratification:

• Develops patience and self-control
• Increases appreciation for earned rewards
• Builds problem-solving skills
• Prepares kids for real-world challenges

Teaching delayed gratification:

• Set savings goals for desired items
• Implement a chore system with earned rewards
• Encourage long-term projects
• Praise effort and perseverance, not just results

Importance of hard work:

• Builds a strong work ethic
• Develops resilience and grit
• Increases self-esteem through accomplishment
• Prepares kids for future success

7. Giving kids a broader worldview fosters gratitude and perspective

Nothing makes us more grateful than perspective.

Expanding worldview: Exposing children to different cultures, lifestyles, and challenges helps them appreciate their own circumstances and develop empathy for others.

Ways to broaden perspective:

• Volunteer as a family in your community
• Sponsor a child from another country
• Read books about different cultures and experiences
• Travel or participate in mission trips when possible

Benefits of a broader worldview:

• Increases gratitude for what they have
• Develops empathy and compassion
• Encourages global thinking and problem-solving
• Reduces materialism and entitlement

8. Consistency and faithfulness are key to raising grateful kids

Parenting is all about practice. We get what we put into it.

Importance of consistency: Children thrive on routine and clear expectations. Consistent parenting helps them feel secure and understand boundaries.

Areas to prioritize consistency:

• Discipline and consequences
• Family routines and traditions
• Expressions of love and affirmation
• Teaching and modeling gratitude

Faithfulness in parenting:

• Persevere through challenging seasons
• Keep your promises and follow through
• Maintain your values and beliefs, even when it's difficult
• Pray for your children regularly

9. Being different is okay - prepare kids for the challenges of going against the flow

Here's the simple truth that isn't so simple: Raising kids to be different from the world really does make them different from the world.

Challenges of being different:

• Feeling left out or misunderstood
• Facing peer pressure and criticism
• Questioning family values and decisions

Preparing kids for these challenges:

• Discuss the reasons behind your family's choices
• Role-play scenarios they might face
• Share your own experiences of going against the flow
• Surround them with like-minded peers and mentors

Encouraging perseverance:

• Celebrate their courage to be different
• Remind them of their values and beliefs
• Provide a safe space to process their feelings
• Help them find positive ways to express their uniqueness

Last updated: December 11, 2024