Between age, maturity levels, and personality differences, our children are going to be at different places in their growth process. One of my children was pretty much born with a naturally happy and grateful attitude, and one was born asking the question, “Why?” One gave their life to Jesus at an early age, and one when they were in high school. Because of this reality, we were not dealing with carbon copy people and it required that we pursue and communicate with each child differently and spend much time on our knees asking for wisdom.

Thoughts for Mom:

Because each individual child is at a different place in their relationship with God, and most of what we deal with when it comes to our children (and ourselves) have at the root of the problem being a heart issue, we have to approach each one carefully, depending on where they are in their development.
We are in this for the long haul, and it takes much prayer and intentionality to come alongside our children as they grow in their walk with God.
In the marathon of parenting, we can model what it means to be a grateful and thankful person. We can talk about all God has done for us and how He provides for us in our daily conversation so that it becomes a familiar topic. This is the training ground that God can use to work the reality of being thankful into the heart of each person in our family.
Affirmation is important! Because you and I, as adults, are in a fight to be grateful and thankful, we must be sure to communicate to our children that we understand the battle and then offer much affirmation when they show gratefulness in any form. Any evidence that God is working in their heart is something to be acknowledged and celebrated!

How to Pray Through This:

Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

Prayer: Father, sometimes I feel anxious because I don’t see my children growing in the way I’d like to see them grow. Thank You that I can trust You to work in the heart of each child and that Your timing is best. I ask that You would cause my children to grow and become grateful and thankful people.

Verse: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

Prayer: Father, I know we are in this parenting journey for the long haul. Help me not grow weary in praying for my children, Help me to continue steadfastly in prayer, and to be watchful for how You are going to work in their lives. I thank You for all You are going to do.

Verse: “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” 1 Chronicles 16:18

Prayer: Father, thank You for all you have done in my life. Thank you for all You have done already in the lives of my children. I pray for opportunities to testify of Your faithfulness to my children and also to those around me.

Verse: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

Prayer: Father, I acknowledge the reality that I cannot be an effective, thankful parent if I do not have the wisdom that only You can provide. Please help me to tune into each of my children and know how to best communicate and love them so that I might be able to help them learn about You.