Coach Fathers/Executives, Physician/Child and Adolescent Medicine, Bestselling Author, International Speaker.
Every parent gets frustrated when their kids take things (and them) for granted. They fail to appreciate all they have. And they’re right. But here’s the problem: most of us don’t know how to teach our kids to be grateful, so we end up simply telling them over and over that they should be. This doesn’t work. Gratitude comes from focusing on what we have, not what we don’t. Teaching this requires action—not just words. Years ago, my son, husband, and I traveled with Food for the Hungry to Bolivia, where we met people living in huts who shared what little they had with pride and joy. We saw their gardens and their fish ponds—simple things that made them feel like they’d won the lottery. It changed us. What makes kids grateful? Experiencing the struggles of others and seeing joy on the faces of those who have less. To teach this, take your kids to serve those in need—whether at Habitat for Humanity, a soup kitchen, or a memory care facility. Gratitude is learned through action, not words. P.S. Looking for extra support this holiday season? My Black Friday Special on Parent Coaching is live! Through Dec. 6, new clients receive $75 off a session. Contact alexie@meekerparenting.com to book.
