It is no surprise we live in a materialistic culture. I think we would all agree on this statement.
I’m not saying throw it all away and give your children bowls and spoons to play with, although that is usually their favorite toys to play with…am I right?
Although, when a box arrives at our house Miss E loves nothing better than to play with the wrapping and box…it usually keeps her occupied for quite a bit of time. 
In our family we do try to keep things a bit more simple…we try. We don’t always win, but we sure do try.
So we decided to make our Christmas Thank you cards…as you see we have to have plenty of Kleenex by our side! She’s in her PJ’s, making sure her cards are crafted perfectly because it’s time like this you just need a little extra softness and care in the mix! She always cracks me up! Who said Kleenex was just for when you’re sick, and thank the Lord we currently aren’t sick! Although I grabbed a family pack of Kleenex at Walmart (available online, in store or pick up!) to stock up for when we do, because it never hits at a convenient time and I want to be prepared!!!
Who said Kleenex was just for when you’re sick, and thank the Lord we currently aren’t sick! Although I grabbed a family pack of Kleenex at Walmart (available online, in store or pick up!) to stock up for when we do, because it never hits at a convenient time and I want to be prepared!!! 
I love seeing our friends and family spoil our little girl, so don’t get me wrong, it’s loads of fun…but it’s not always the most healthy concept!!!
I really don’t want my daughter growing up thinking she deserves everything given to her. Nor do I want her to receive everything she asks for…this may sound cruel but it sure teaches a person a lot when they aren’t handed everything they want.
We live in a culture that if we want it we just go buy it and put it on the credit card and pay on it for years to come. When we live our lives like this we are teaching our children that you get what you want, when you want, how you want and however you can.
It’s a mindset I am striving to go against with my little one.
–I want to teach her to work for what she wants. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that…working hard to achieve and gain what you desire.
–I want to teach her that sometimes we just do without and it’s good for us…it’s healthy for us.
–I want to teach her to have a grateful heart and I’m starting by simply teaching her to say Thank you.
Some days I ask myself how…how am I going to teach her this character trait? It doesn’t come naturally to most and it may take years to cultivate in her heart…but one way is by saying Thank you for what she does have/get. I think it’s so vital to take the time to sit and write thank you notes. There doesn’t have to be a special reason to…although usually throughout the year we are given several opportunities to whether it be for a birthday, christmas gift or just because gift. Sometimes the most special thank you notes are when one is sent without receiving something, just thanking that family member or friend for being them, to you.
So here we are after Christmas and Miss E received a stamping set from a sweet friend…she has loved that set so I knew it was the perfect opportunity for her to make her own thank you notes!
We simple got 8 1/2 x11 paper, folded it half and then into a 1/4…she went to down stamping and coloring. It’s simply beautiful!
A few days later…(space it out for attention span sake!) I told her who the card was for and reminded her what that person gave her for Christmas. Then I told her to tell me what she’d like me to write to them. The cards are quite sweet if I do say so myself! She then “signed” her name and we are putting them in the mailbox tomorrow.
This teaches so much to your children.
Using what they have to create and craft.
Thinking about someone
Thanking someone
Reflecting on what they have been given
These cards will only get sweeter as the years go by and I hope that these small ways of saying thank you will cultivate a heart of gratitude in my sweet little E.
How are you teaching your children to be grateful?
I want all the tips you can give me as we are just starting out!
Hi! I’m Erin, a Southern mama from South Mississippi, owner and chief editor of Sixth Bloom a blog helping mom-tographers capture their kiddos and life, talking all things home, parenting and how we navigate through life. You will find me living life to the fullest with my mister (aka husband) and our little two year old, Miss E, in our 500+ sq foot cottage as we build our dream house on our two acres! We are blessed beyond measure, love to travel, involved in ministry at our church and in between all of that we run two successful businesses together!
Whitney - Donuts and Drama says
Love it! What a stinker! Stay healthy and keep the kleenex close!