Summary

The article discusses the reasons behind the lack of gratitude in children today and suggests ways to foster a sense of appreciation and empathy in them.

Abstract

The article "Why Our Children Lack Gratitude" delves into the modern parenting paradigm where children are provided with an abundance of material possessions and experiences, leading to a sense of entitlement rather than gratitude. Despite having more, today's children often struggle with mental health issues and a lack of happiness. The article attributes this to a disconnect from the realities of human suffering, overindulgence fueled by social media, and a societal norm of excess. It emphasizes the importance of gratitude for mental well-being, citing psychological research linking gratitude to happiness and resilience. The author suggests that parents can instill gratitude in their children by modeling thankfulness, expanding their children's awareness of global issues, and encouraging acts of giving.

Opinions

The author believes that the current generation of parents is overproviding for their children, which leads to a lack of appreciation for what they have.
There is a critique of how modern parenting shields children from the harsh realities of the world, which previous generations were more exposed to and thus more grateful for peace and basic necessities.
The article suggests that social media contributes to a culture of overindulgence by glorifying extravagant lifestyles and milestones from a young age.
The author argues that an excess of material possessions has become the norm, preventing children from valuing and recognizing the worth of their comforts.
The article posits that a lack of gratitude can result in egotistical behavior and a failure to build strong relationships, as gratitude is linked to happiness and the ability to deal with adversity.
The author advocates for making gratitude a daily practice, expanding children's understanding of global hardships, and teaching them the joy of giving as means to cultivate thankfulness.

Why Our Children Lack Gratitude

How can we help to change their outlook towards life

What is life like for today’s Parent? Balancing career and family with constant social pressures, to be perfect. I see most parents stretching beyond their constraints to provide the best for their children.

Today's child has hundreds of toys in his room. He has his personal age-appropriate gadgets. He feels entitled to lavish parties and extravagant holidays. Why? Because we have raised him to believe so.

Logically our children should be happier but sadly this is not the case. Statics show an increase in mental health and depression in children over the years.

Why do our children feel sad and deprived when most parents try their utmost to provide them with the best in life?

It is simply because children do not know what they have and they can’t recognize their blessings.

We create a veil between Our children and the sufferings of mankind

Our older generations had seen wars and the tragedies of hunger and deprivation that made them strong people who were grateful for peace, freedom, and simple necessities of life.

The generations of today’s parents have not seen war but as children, they were told stories of freedom fighters and human rights activists. History was told in stories by grandparents. The hardships of life were discussed, and daily blessings were highlighted.

Today we keep our children away from any news that might upset them. History is only for school and that too is very boring.

Social media highlights overindulgence

From the day our child is born we start taking their photos displaying them on social media as a star. Our little toddler has hundreds of fans even before He joins the school. The simple life is turned into occasions and birthdays into lavish surprises.

Is it their fault that they feel entitled to this extraordinary treatment? I do not believe so.

Self-importance is all they have known.

In fact, if they compare themselves with their peers one thing or the other may make them feel deprived.

Excess has become the norm

Parents are constantly in a race of wanting more and more for themselves and their children. From the latest gadget to the most popular outfit, the excess is a target for everyone, which makes it impossible for our kids to appreciate what they already have.

In today's society excess has become the norm. Parents are over protecting and over providing. Kids never get a chance to leave their comfort zone thus preventing them from recognizing its worth.

Problems associated with a lack of gratitude

What happens when our kids lack gratitude? At times kids are egotistic and believe the world revolves around them but it can turn in to a huge problem if parents keep encouraging this kind of behavior.

Gratitude is linked with peace of mind and happiness.

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ~ Melody Beattie

Simple steps to promote the feelings of gratitude in children

Make gratitude a part of your daily life

Parents seek to provide the best for their children but in this quest, they sometimes forget to appreciate the little things in life. Being thankful for everyday blessings and discussing them with the children can be beneficial for both sides.

Children learn from what they see so It is very important to practice what you preach.

Appreciate nature and its blessings. Highlight the importance of the things we take for granted.

“Be careful not to let the things that you don’t have to blindfold you from noticing the all the blessings in your life.” ― Edmond Mbiaka

Expand your child’s circle of concern

It is important to discuss the realities of life with your children like the hardships faced by underprivileged kids. Parents should help their kids look beyond their protective shells and feel empathy for the disadvantaged.

Encouraging kids to understand the difficulties faced by others like them will not only create awareness but also acceptance.

Show them the pleasure involved in giving

Giving charity introduces our children to the importance of generosity and they get to see beyond themselves. Our children are well aware of the happiness involved in receiving presents and buying new things.

Parents need to introduce them to the pleasures of giving, most children naturally love to help others, so supporting their instinctive big-heartedness is likely to mean that they grow up with a greater appreciation of what they have.