Kids...And Giving Thanks!

November is a time when, as adults, we often reflect on all life’s blessings that we are thankful for- no matter how big or small. But what about our kids? My kids know that after November comes Christmas. How can they not when the media is already throwing the holidays in our face as soon as Halloween ends? Clearly, Christmas and other holidays are not the problem at all. It’s the commercialism that comes with it.

I was recently at the store with my 3 kids (that was my 1^st mistake) and as we wandered through the toy aisles (that was my 2^nd mistake) they each found something that they HAD to have. RIGHT NOW. Luckily, after saying no, they got the message and knew not to ask again. But this made me realize we had to have another conversation. Which we did when we got home.

It’s totally okay to want things. I, personally, have a long wish list of things that I want. And yes, sometimes I want that instant gratification. But I wanted to remind my kids the difference between need and want. I also wanted to remind my kids how truly blessed they are. Not only do they have a whole toy room for themselves, but they have warm jackets, a bed to sleep in with blankets and stuffed animals galore, a roof over their heads and they know that they’ll have 3 meals every day.

Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to take
 our oldest to a homeless shelter and serve families.

It was an eye-opening experience for my son. And for me too. There were families there who had kids his age and the ages of his little sisters. We talked about some of the reasons people might find themselves in these situations. Our son realized these were good families, not that different than our own, who found themselves down on their luck. These people were so incredibly thankful for a warm meal. Something we so often take for granted. It was truly a humbling experience.

My son was 7 at the time and like most kids, he was very egocentric believing that the world revolves around him. That experience left a lasting impression on him. It broke his young heart to know there were kids like him who didn’t always have a bed to sleep in or to know when their next meal would be coming.

When the natural disasters struck this year, our son fought back tears as he learned there were families who lost everything. It was hard for him, but he picked out a few of his toys to send those families along with some stuffed animals to cuddle at night.  Our girls did the same.

When we’re at the store and my kids are begging for toys they don’t need, I get down. I try so hard to teach them to be thankful and to appreciate what they have. But then I remember those other experiences and I realize my kids are pretty typical- and not that different than me. Just because we want more doesn’t mean we don’t know how good we already have it. It just makes us human.

I ask my kids what they’re thankful for and their answers never cease to amaze me. Turns out they do get it. We don’t always give kids enough credit. So the next time I’m at the store and they’re begging for the latest must-have toy, I’m just going be thankful for them. Thankful that they’re in my life, thankful that I get to watch their joy and thankful for the important life lessons that they teach me.

Alissa Kuszynski- Blogger and Mother of 3