True Gratitude is Inspired

Sherri and Keith Papini with their two children (ABC News article below)

Everyone knows that kids live what they learn. You've seen the kid misbehaving in the store and opening everyone's eyes with a clear and distinct cussword, right? What happens right after? The parent pulls their arm back, stiff handed, and slaps the child across the face. Sure, the child was out of line but wasn't the parent? And where do you think the kid learned the behavior? The same goes for the opposite behavior; those children who were taught to appreciate what they have through true gratitude inspired to be thankful. What behaviors will the child harbor into becoming an adult?

If you've had a difficult childhood of your own, this doesn't give special permission to continue the abuse. And that's exactly what this is -- abusive behavior. You need to step back one day at a time, one incident at a time, and consider what your child sees in you and your behavior. Understand that your child considers you an idol from the time of birth and mimics everything you do in hopes of becoming you. Nobody said you're perfect. Quite the contrary. None of us are perfect. That's why following the basic steps of gratitude can help mold your life into someone you can be proud of displaying to your child. Opposed to the frowns and furrowed brows of before, how would it make you feel for a stranger to see a fantastic behavior and comment on it? (Yes, this will happen.)

Each day, usually at the end of the day, stop for a moment and ask your child what happened today that caused gratitude. Answer yourself, as well. We do this at dinner time while we're all sitting still. You'll be stunned at the behavior following this activity within just a few months. This inspiration can cause your life to change considerably. Go on, try it. What have you got to lose? Gratitude? It's contagious.

If you've noticed your child displaying a positive behavior learned from you, please share.

Here's a story I found concerning the after effects of gratitude for a close-knit family.

True Gratitude is Inspired