Monday, November 25, 2013

E is For Entitlement: Raising Thankful Children in a ME Generation

Laura Sandretti
What a privilege it was to have Laura Sandretti come and share with us some practical ways we can guide our children towards gratitude.  It is important for us to educate and empower our children.  Parenting with the end in mind is key.  Be intentional about your parenting and you will be blessed.  Here are some notes from her great talk with us.  

1.      E is for Eating-Exodus 16
a.      Eat all of less-put small portions on their plate; they can have seconds of their favorites once they have eaten what is one their plate.
b.      Every good and perfect gift comes from above (even the food they don’t like)
c.       Expedition-take them to serve at a homeless shelter
d.      Exceptions-let them have a few things they won’t eat (especially if they gag on it)

2.      E is for Effort- Colossians 3:23
a.      Every job can be fun, it is all about the attitude
b.      Eyeballs are for using
a.      See what needs to be done and do it
b.      Train them to ask the following
                                                                          i.      What needs to be done?
                                                                        ii.      What can I help you with?

3.      E is for Earning- Philippians 2:5-7
a.      Earning is optional (humility is found in servant hood)
b.      Ease up on the gifts
a.      Jesus got 3 gifts, your kids can too!
c.       Extras are theirs to purchase
a.      Encourage them to pray before they make a big purchase

4.      E is for Entertainment
a.      Equip them for school (it can be boring at times)
a.      Give them quiet room time each day
b.      If they say they are bored, give them a job to do
b.      Everything is not about their perfect life

5.      E is for Every word matters
a.      Use words that foster gratitude
b.      Everyday expressions
                                                                          i.      Please and thank you
                                                                        ii.      Ask me, don’t tell me
c.       Wants vs. needs
6.      E is for Example
a.      Be prayerful and bout our own entitlement issues
b.      I kings 3:9