By Victoria Hanson
It is essential for parents, especially mothers, to teach their children the value of gratitude before they learn to complain.
Why do I often emphasize the role of mothers? Because mothers are a child’s first teachers. There’s a reason we speak of the “mother tongue.” From infancy, children learn their first words, behaviors, and values from their mothers.
When a child becomes disrespectful or undisciplined, society often looks to the mother. While this may not always be fair, it highlights how much influence a mother has in shaping a child’s early character.
Sadly, many children today are quick to complain rather than appreciate. They replace gratitude with entitlement. For instance, when a parent buys a child a gift, instead of hearing “Thank you, Mum,” the first reaction is often, “What kind of color is this?” or “I don’t like it!” This shows a lack of appreciation and worse, it reveals a heart that has not been trained to value effort or kindness.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 stated this clearly.
As parents, when we overlook such behavior and even beg our children to accept what is given to them, we unintentionally raise future ingrates. Yes, it’s important to be gentle and loving, but not at the expense of discipline and values.
There are many adults today who struggle to show appreciation—no matter how much they receive. Some husbands don’t know how to appreciate their wives, and some wives constantly criticize their husbands. Where do you think this starts? Often, in childhood.
While it’s true that some children may remain resistant no matter the training, don’t stop teaching. Training takes time. Even in school curriculums, the same lessons, like parts of speech are repeated year after year until they are mastered.
So, keep teaching. Keep correcting. And always remember: instilling gratitude is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child.
Raise grateful hearts, not entitled ones.
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