I’ll never forget what my dad told me and my husband on the eve of our wedding. He said, “No matter what, never go to bed angry.” Eight years later I’m still happily married, despite ignoring that advice a few times (no one’s perfect!). I bring this up because now I have two children, and I’ve watched that old saying evolve into something the entire family tries to follow.
At the end of the day, my kids are falling apart, and I’m tired too. Before bedtime their selective listening and my short fuse become a recipe for disaster.
It was this nightly trend of frustration and tension that prompted me to start a new rule. I told the kids they should never go to bed angry. Instead, I explained why they should always go to bed thankful.
Now before we do our prayers, I have them share one thing that happened that day they are grateful for.
Sometimes it’s Hershey kisses or going to the movies. Sometimes it’s daddy getting home safely. And sometimes it’s still said through clenched teeth, and that’s OK.
Not every night goes smoothly, but I know that during this me-me-me phase of their lives, these few minutes are precious. My hope is that having a rule of reflection to recognize things we take for granted will one day counteract all those “gimmes.”
November and Thanksgiving is a great time of the year to teach your children to be thankful for what they have. Here are some ways you and the family can express gratitude:
DIY Thankful Tree: Create or print out a tree. Cut leaves out of construction paper. Have family members write what they are thankful for. Put the tree on a cork board and pin the leaves on or pin one leaf everyday in November.
Little Loving Hands: Local mom Lily Yeh started this monthly subscription service of kids crafts. November’s kit focuses on Giving Tuesday and the importance of helping others. Your child creates crafts for a fundraiser to support a charity of their choice.
Secret Service: Send your kids on an undercover mission to complete secret service for a week. Stuff top-secret manila envelopes with their mission to do anything from reading a book to their younger sibling to picking up trash or doing homework without being asked. Throw in some spy sunglasses for fun, and at the end of the week, gather the family to talk about the missions accomplished.
