Hey there, fellow dads at the gas station! You know, it’s one of those random encounters where you swap stories while waiting for the tanks to fill. So, here’s one from my playbook, especially for those days when parenting feels like herding cats with laser pointers.
The other day, my kids were squabbling over a toy—classic sibling rivalry. I did the usual “Hey, work it out,” and walked away, feeling pretty confident in my laissez-faire approach. But then, mid-stride, I had this realization: Had I actually shown them *how* to work it out? Or was I just expecting them to figure it out like mini diplomats?
That’s when it hit me: thankfulness. You know, our kids come out of the womb programmed to be pretty self-centered. It’s biology, right? They cry, we jump. It works. But as they grow, we want them to evolve beyond the “it’s all about me” phase. And here’s where thankfulness comes into play.
Here’s a touchy moment that really brought it home for me. My youngest, all of five years old, was heartbroken over not getting the blue lollipop at his friend’s birthday party. With tears streaming down his face, he came to me, expecting me to fix it. Instead, I knelt down, wiped his tears, and asked, “What do we have to be thankful for right now?” His sniffles paused as he looked around, noticing his friends laughing, the games, the cake. Slowly, a small smile replaced the frown as he whispered, “I have my friends and a fun party.” It was a simple moment, but it marked a profound shift in his little heart.
Picture this: Your kid’s at a party, eyes set on that blue lollipop. But fate is cruel, and they end up with the orange one. Tears ensue, world-ending drama unfolds. You could go down the “life isn’t fair” road, but I chose a different path. I asked, “What kind of life do you want? A happy one or a sad one?” Of course, they said “happy.” So, I introduced them to the magic of being thankful.
Here’s my dad wisdom: Focus on what you have, not on what you don’t. Simple, right? But oh, so powerful. This isn’t just for kids eyeing lollipops. It’s for us too. Neighbor got a new car? Don’t sulk. Celebrate what you’ve got!
Teaching thankfulness isn’t about ignoring the tough stuff. Life throws curveballs—broken, dark, sad moments. But gratitude? That’s our secret weapon. It’s about helping our kids (and ourselves) to look at the full glass, not the empty half. It’s about being thankful for the orange lollipop, the food on the table, the friends and family around us.
Now, is this too simple? Maybe. Too practical? Perhaps. But try it out. It’s a mantra in our house now, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. It turns attitudes around and sets the foundation for a genuinely happy life, even when the going gets tough.
So, next time you’re hanging out at the gas station, or wherever dads congregate, share this little nugget. Who knows? It might just make someone’s parenting journey a bit smoother. And if you think it’s helpful, pass it along. We’re all in this together, trying to equip our little ones for the rollercoaster of life.
Catch you next time, and here’s to filling up on more than just gas—filling up on gratitude! Take care, and let’s spread a little thankfulness around.