To-day I’m being thankful for what I have.
“Now Godliness with contentment is great gain“.
It’s the start of the season of “I want” , “I need” and “I’m getting“.
Kids are bombarded with “What do you want?”, “What do you need?”, and “What are you getting?”
In most homes the more they want (no matter if they need it or not) - the more they get.
We need to learn to be content with what we have and have our children reflect this characteristic too.
Pastor Mark Chanski says “Worldly things are as sea water to a thirsting soul. The more the water is drunk, the more water is craved. Solomon hoarded to himself “all that his eyes desired” including wealth, wine, and women. But he concluded it was “all vanity. . . striving after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11).”
Read the whole post here.
How do we teach our children contentment?
By reflecting contentment in our own lives. We can not teach our children to be content if we are not content.
By living in the present. Don’t always be planning for the future for who knows what tomorrow brings.
By eliminating distractions. Don’t expose them to things they will never have!
By enjoying the simple things in life. Make much of a picnic, a party or a day out.
Feel free to add any other ideas for teaching our children contentment.
Mummymac
November 14, 2007 at 1:42 pm
I have two very different children, my son is usually easier to manage but is a “wanter”, my daughter is very strong willed but much more content. I regularly say no, at nearly 13 and 11 they have got the message.
Another idea is to get them to save , birthday/ Christmas money gifts or even use their own savings if they have any, not having what you can’t afford is a good lesson to learn.
I really appreciated your comments.
Ann
November 14, 2007 at 4:19 pm
I am going into this season of my life where I am realizing how blessed my family and I are. I am becoming content.
November 14, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Very good reminder. Thank you.
November 14, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Thank you very much for posting this! I really needed to be reminded of this, especially with teaching my children. Thank you!
November 15, 2007 at 12:49 am
What a great reminder, thank you so much
November 15, 2007 at 6:58 pm
This is one of the reasons we don’t have cable. All the commercials make children
(and adults) want things they don’t really need. Great post!
Kelli