Weekend Kindness
Reaching Others Through Kindness

So, Saturday I sat down with my two oldest and watched 3-2-1 Penguins on Qubo (NBC).  This week’s adventure had them talking about envy– the green eyed monster, and I got to thinking. Next to selfishness, I believe that this is one of the biggest things that we have to deal with as parents when it comes to our children. He’s got it, and I want it.

Teaching contentment is difficult in our society. We have to have our burgers our way, buy things right now, and just do it. We’re constantly pressured to make a decision because supplies are limited, and if we don’t act fast the deal will be gone.

How do we, as parents, help our child to see past what the other person has, and to see the blessings that abound all around them?

Practice Thankfulness

The first step is to practice thankfulness. If we are thankful for what we have then we should be less inclined to be jealous over what the other person has. Why? Because a thankful spirit is a happy spirit. If we keep our eyes on what is ours, then we’re not occupied on thinking about what is theirs.

You see, we as parents often look at things and make comments about how we’d like to have this, or we’re not satisfied with that. What we don’t realize is that our complaining about our current state– our lack of thankfulness– rubs off on our kids not being thankful either.

Practice Contentment

This one is especially difficult because it requires us not to be constantly wanting “something better.” This is totally contrary to the world’s message. The world wants you to believe that not only can you have it all, but you can have it all right now. You see something someone else has? It can be yours too for just 3 easy payments of $19.95 plus shipping and handling.

Our kids see that we are not satisfied with what we have and they know also that they can get something better. So they want that. They want what Billy has, because they are not content with what they have. And they won’t be, because Dad and Mom always have to have everything too.

Practice Saying No

The more your kids think that they can get anything from us, then they are going to want more. They will look for other things to get. They will not be satisfied with what they have, for they will want everything that they see.

If we don’t say no, then we’re setting them up for disappointment, for there will be times where they will not be able to get what they want. There will be times where things will be tight, or you’ll be saving for something better.

What ways have you found to beat the Green Eyed Monster?

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