The other day my son asked me, “Mom, how come you don’t buy us expensive toys?” This question is courtesy of my usual response when we go to the store. Once in a while I will buy my kids a toy when we go shopping, but if it is above $20 I tell them that it is an expensive toy. They know that they only get expensive toys for special occasions like birthdays, Christmas and jobs well done. Now, my kids have plenty of these “expensive toys”. Which I explained to my son as I rattled off about a dozen in response to his question. He just answered, “Oh yeah.” It amazes me how quickly kids forget about that toy that they just had to have only a few months ago. But I can’t blame them. In a world where infomercials throw each toy out there like it is the only thing you will ever need. And the kid at school or down the street gets new toys as they hit the shelf. It is easy to see how kids can become unsatisfied with what they have, leaving them longing for more. But there are ways to help make your child more appreciative and grateful for all that they have. Just follow these three rules.
- Teach Them To Say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You.’ From the moment that your child is old enough to put syllables together, you should teach them to say “Please and “Thank you.” It helps them learn at a young age that they are not entitled to anything. They need to ask and be thankful for all of the things that you provide for them. And the best way to teach this skill is for them to hear you saying it, especially to them. Kids are little sponges. They soak up and mimic everything you do. So if you say, “Johnny, please bring me that bag.” Soon you will be hearing Johnny asking you to “Please give him some juice.”
- Help Them Comprehend Gift Giving. After a few go-arounds, kids start to see Christmas and their birthdays as an event similar to ordering food off of a menu. They list it, you bring it. If someone veers from their list, they are bound to get upset. Use these opportunities to explain to them why we give gifts. When this first started happening with my oldest son, I told him gifts are thoughtful gestures, not just a way for him to score materialistic gain. Now when he receives a present, I point out everything the giver put into it. Like “Aunt Claire knows that you like Legos and building, so she bought you these K’nex. Let’s see how they work.” That usually make him want to give it a try. (By the way, he loves his new K’nex set, Aunt Claire. Thanks.)
- Get Them Involved In Volunteering. There is no better way to shift things into perspective for your child than to get them away from Spoiled-Pants McGee down the street and into the real world. When your kids volunteer, they will see just how little some people have; thus helping them appreciate all that they have. And when they see the need firsthand, it will make them want to do something to help; thus making them a better person all around.
