These numbers might look depressing to you, but I think they present an excellent opportunity for parents this holiday season.

With Thanksgiving upon us, what better time to teach your child the antidote to our American obsession with having more, more, more: giving thanks and giving back?

When we instill in our children an attitude of gratitude and the spirit of giving, we are giving them an invaluable gift. A posture of gratitude and a habit of giving to others—whether that’s with money, resources, or time—will serve your child well in adulthood. It will strengthen her character, teach her humility, and help her go far in life while caring for others along the way.

Gratitude

Gratitude doesn’t come naturally to our kids. This is why we have to teach our children to say thank you. They aren’t going to do it on their own. 

This isn’t your child’s fault. It’s simply how children develop. We are wired to be egocentric, especially when we’re young. To children, it feels like the world revolves around them. Their needs are what they think of, not others, so they don’t think to be grateful for what they have.

This is why it’s so important…