Growing Grateful Kids

I've been reading this book, growing grateful kids,  over the past couple weeks.  I checked it out from the library, but it's been such a good read that I'll probably end up buying my own copy.

 

If you're a parent, you probably have a mental list of character traits that you want for your kids.  Everyone's list may be slightly different, but they probably included things like kindness, compassion, honest, hardworking, etc... 

For me, included in my top 5, would definitely be gratitude.  Gratitude is a biggie for me.  I would be so proud if my kids could grow up with a real sense of gratitude as they walk through life.  And more importantly, understand WHO is the ultimate giver of all gifts.  None of the things we receive are because we deserve them. 

I like this book because it's a an easy read, practical and oh so relatable!  Susie writes alot from personal experiences and at the end of each chapter she includes practical questions for us to think about as parents, ideas on how to teach it, and a prayer.  Lord knows our kids learn so much more from what we do, than what we say.  Oh boy!  This is more than a parenting book because it's been reminding ME of how I can better live out gratitude in MY own life. 

I just finished the chapter on restraint.  The message in this chapter has stuck with me.  Here's a short excerpt:

"When we oversaturate our kids with the latest and greatest trinkets and toys, we actually ruin our children.  When we bail our kids out so they don't have to struggle, we actually weaken them.  When we make excuses for our kids so that they don't have to feel bad about their behavior, we deceive them into thinking they don't need a Savior.  When we lay down the rules and then change them because they are not convenient to enforce at the moment, we confuse our children and diminish our own credibility...  it's not such a bad thing to let our kids wrestle through difficult circumstances or to go without something they want or to face their own character flaws."

I think the part that spoke to me the most is doing the hard things, even when it is inconvenient.  How many times have I given it at the grocery store or at restaurant, just to make things easier?  To a larger extent, this is why homeschooling can be a huge challenge.  Constantly teaching, redirecting, and reinforcing character lessons definitely cuts into my "to-dos" and can be extremely inconvenient.  But obviously oh so worth it.

Ok... this has turned into a much wordier most than I usually write, but I thought this was too good of a resource to not pass along.  Gratitude in today's world of over-indulgence is a special treasure to possess and to work towards.

My Latest Read... Tiger Mom

I've really enjoyed finding the time these last few months to actually read books for pleasure.  I am by no means a voracious reader, but I love a great read and love to chat about it afterwards.

I just finished reading this book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, and loved it.  I was able to relate to so many of the stories in her book being a first generation Chinese American just like her.  Amy was able to put into words the heart and soul of "chinese" parenting. A parenting approach that is based on doing anything to give your child the best and expecting nothing than the best in return.  I found the title to be interesting too.  I think many Asian parents approach parenting a bit like a battle.  They parent with hardwork, courage, perseverance, strength and determination and again, expect to see those same qualities in their children.

Amy Chua and family

In the end, I found a lot of truth in this book, many of them mirrored in my own life.  I understand better my parents' heart and challenges in raising me, their only child.  This book is not about who are better parents and who aren't.  It's about Amy's experience and her desire to raise her daughters to be the best they can be.  Don't we all want that?  Do all make mistakes? Yes, and by God's grace, hopefully we can learn from them and do better.

Have you read the book?  What are your thoughts?

Ironically, I also have this book on hold.  We'll see who does it better.  ;)

Happy Fathers Day!

For Father's Day, I wanted to share one of my all time favorite songs, I Want To Be Just Like You, by Phillips, Craig and Dean.  My heart just melts when I hear the words, the voice and the music.  This song serves as a great reminder of the great blessing and responsibility of raising our kids.  Our children and our time with them is so precious and fleeting, let's make the most of it.

I used this song to make this Father's Day video 3 years ago (using imovie).  We only had our 2 boys at the time and I have yet to do another video as they are a lot of work, but I oh how I  treasure the finished product.   Daddys are so special and play such a vital and important role.  May you be able to take time this weekend to celebrate the blessings of dads, children and family.   

Lord, I want to be just like You

'Cause he wants to be just like me

Want to be a holy example

For his innocent eyes to see

Help me be a living Bible, Lord

That my little boy can read

I want to be just like You

'Cause he wants to be like me

AMEN!

A Simple and Beautiful Truth

I was reading one of my favorite blogs last week, Jones Design Company, and read this beautiful post written by Emily.  She wrote a sweet and simple post about keeping the big picture in mind while raising kids, especially during the messy and crazy early years.  Click here to read the full post.  I could so relate to each photo and each thought!

She also created beautiful pdfs that you can download for free.  Emily certainly understands the meaning of "elevating the everyday"!  Thanks for a great reminder!