Cultivating Gratitude in our Kids: Simple ways for us to give back WITH our kids

[@justjennifer8448]

Last year, instead of traditional organized programs, we decided to help a young single mom with 3 small children. She works in the Freddy’s drive through we frequently stop at on the way home from our closest major hospital. Two of my children have multiple medical conditions and we have to travel an hour each way for their care. We are always starving by the time we are headed home. She was always super kind and we would always ask about her children. She had told us a little of the trials she was facing a month or so before so we could pray for her. She was showing pictures one day and told each of their ages so my daughter and I wrote it down and decided we were going to try our best to be a blessing to her family. We bought 3 gifts for each child and made sure they were safe for all the ages just in case. And then we bought the momma a couple of gifts which we wrapped as it were from her boys. But the children’s presents we took in a large TJ Maxx bag and took wrapping paper and tape so she could gift them to her children herself. The children didn’t know us so we thought it would mean more to her and them coming from Momma. I can’t tell you how much fun my daughter and I had and what a blessing it was to our own hearts although we were trying to bless her! Also, we did not buy junk! I bought those children the same things I bought for my granddaughter and my youngest, special needs son. We aren’t a wealthy family, this directly took from what we could do for our own family but it was so precious to get to do. I only said this part because I always feels so badly for children when people buy cheap junk just so kids have something to open. I don’t think you should buy anyone something you wouldn’t want in your own home! And since they already have less, please always do the best you can!

[@calista5519]

When I was a kid my parents always made one of our Christmas gifts a donation in our name to a charity; usually something related to something we liked or were interested in or had picked ourselves. They would write a small thing about the charity and then wrap it with a small related trinket (eg. gifting to Habitat for Humanity and then giving a little magnet with a house on it) and put it under the tree for us to open on Christmas morning with the other gifts. I think it was nice that the donation was treated like all the other gifts on Christmas, and the trinket was a nice reminder through the years.

[@Vanessa-np4pr]

💞I am sincerely grateful for all the varieties of womanly perspective(s) you ladies offer. Happy 2024!

[@ellenchapman9981]

Operation Christmas Child is a great organization! It’s something our church has participated in for many years. Kids around the globe are given good gifts as well as a gospel message. All gifts are distributed to children through the local national church. Investigate it for yourself!

[@deniseunruh8752]

At the school our son attends, one year they each pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, and then the next year they exchange names and buy gifts. I started packing boxes when my eldest was 15 months old, and have kept it up since. I now like to pack 2 boxes, one for a girl and another for a boy. It's such fun to buy bargains throughout the year for the gifts. I have a specific tote to store these items in..

[@Maggie_Bern]

Operation Christmas Child is wonderful!

[@kellywendth5441]

The Operation Christmas child shoe box ministry is a tradition for our family and I love doing it with our daughter. She likes to pick the category that closely corresponds with her age and then picks items she would enjoy. The boxes sometimes take months to be delivered due to international shipping etc. Still highly recommended and a Bible study booklet is included in every box! And when we drop it off at our drop-off location, they pray over the box and for the child receiving it. 🙏☺️

[@lizgilmore7314]

Jayna talks such good sense!

[@jessicacannon7330]

I love you both. Good Godly mom's funny & it's OK to mess up we are all human. I'm 51 & am still learning. Love the podcast & Megan on Thursday.

[@margaretcrane7477]

Always always say please and thank you to anyone regardless of who you’re interacting with.

[@susantimko4811]

Handwritten letters are a thing of the past also but I try to do that tool… especially to my grand children, who live 1000 miles away. Even though they were only five and seven, they get a litter every two or three weeks. I still use the address book I received from my friend when I was in eighth grade, I am 58 now

[@eidemiller1]

I love that Jayne is "pro-cards". A card means a lot to people when they receive them. I remember my mother-in-law saying how nice it was to get cards when sick but she wished she also got cards for no reason at all. Teaching your children how to write out a thank you card will stick with them into adulthood. My 25 & 22 year olds are so thankful and appreciative and I really believe it is from instilling in them ability to thank others as young children.

[@susanelmblad2844]

I send thank you cards all the time! I also send "I'm thinking about you" cards to friends and family. In this day and age when so many people get junk mail and bills in the mail, what a blessing it is to receive a thank you card or a card knowing that somebody is thinking about you!

[@grace7-9]

Agree so much with Jayna @ 15:43 regarding the importance of not just utilizing prayer for requests or for assistance but also remembering to offer prayers of gratitude regularly and consistently. 🙏🛐

[@melaniesnyder9165]

Last year we downsized our Christmas gifting. Each child got 2 gifts from their dad and I, and 1 each from their aunt who lives with us. Then they got a stocking each with a few treats and tiny things like pencils, bath bombs, capstick, cozy socks, tatoos, and things that will be used up over time. I was worried their Christmas would be a huge dissapoinment... but it turned out to be the best Christmas so far. Instead of carelessly ripping into gifts they took their time. We took turns opening a gift, and they actually paused and played with and explored each toy/gift for a bit before even asking to open the next. It was lovely!! And no one mentioned or seemed to notice having fewer gifts. We do share toys in this house though.... i have all boys all within 7 years so they enjoy most of the same stuff and 3 toys each meant 9 new toys in the home.

[@samanthakwait8782]

I really liked the book raising grateful children in an ungrateful world

[@susantimko4811]

I am definitely in the pro thank you card team. If someone takes the time to do something special for me, I feel obligated to acknowledge it with a thank you card. I have a friend who will not let her children play with the toy they were given until they write a thank you card first. I always have a stack of cards and stamps at the ready, it can be done in less than five minutes.

[@lbtk]

Gratitude is not just about voicing thankfulness. It's an attitude. So modeling gratitude is less about always saying thank you (which also is politeness, as you pointed out), but in the way that you receive and your attitude when things do not go your way (as Jayna said, making the best of things). You can also express thankfulness by doing things to show that you appreciate what you have (like taking care of your things shows you are grateful for them, for example, or making a meal for someone shows that you appreciate them). There are many ways to show gratitude that are rooted in our everyday life that we are already modeling: making a meal, doing the laundry, even mundane things, can all show gratitude when we are doing it with the right attitude. And I agree that you can simultaneously be disappointed and grateful at the same time. We are humans with a range of emotions and can hold both to be true.

[@kaylenebigger9082]

I have a card file for my addresses. I really like it - when people move, you can update the card, or you can just pull it out and put a new one in to keep everything up-to-date.

[@Shangri-LaGrange]

😂 I’m someone who had open concept and put up a wall. I love it! You can’t see if I have dirty dishes in my sink when you come through the front door now. I can fix my husband and I a snack before bed without worrying the kids will hear me in the kitchen. Our guest bathroom now feels more private. I’m very old school and love Rooms, so for me leaving behind the modern open concept idea was a welcome change. ❤

[@Frugalinthewoods]

Really love watching you ladies! Great content- true honesty, spirit lead 🙏🏻

[@janellmichael2166]

A couple of thoughts: 1. I think it is very important to have my children send thank you notes BEFORE they can use /enjoy the gift they were given. I want them to have a grateful heart. 2. I quit sending Christmas newsletters. I personally find them boring. I now write a Christmas short story instead. I got a lot of positive feedback for last year's story. Blessings, Janell PS I have had a positive experience through Operation Christmas Child (shoe box ministry) which is part of Samaritan's Purse (Franklin Graham's organization).

[@HoneyImHomemaker]

Great way to use your writing skills!

[@laurenj.5312]

I never send a note or letter with the Christmas card and last year was the first year I got complaints. They want to know how and what everyone is doing. So this year I'm doing a note. 😂

[@maddy-zzz]

Sounds like an interesting video! This December I am volunteering at a women's prison to help women there make Christmas videos for their kids back home. I have learned a lot from volunteering at women's shelters and also with women inmate groups. My mom started taking me to volunteer at soup kitchens and women's shelters when I was younger, and it has meant a lot to me ever since.

[@jamiestanley9234]

This is so great! How wonderful that you do this for those women. You’re a treasure 💕

[@lweaver979]

That sounds like it will be so special for the mom's! The Lord bless you!

[@evawood9655]

What an excellent topic!!! It just seems such a disposable time, a give Me attitude. That your tips and ideas are such a blessing even to ourselves. The old saying, "Better to give than receive" seems to have gone away. The attitude of gratitude wins everytime... Thank you ladies!!!

[@CassieDeJarnett]

Okay I’m pro thank you card BUT if I open the item in front of the person I don’t think a thank you card is necessary because IMO saying thank you face to face is the best form of thank you! A thank you card is for when they weren’t present to thank in person. My family disagrees but it makes sense to me!

[@kaymarie346]

I keep everyone’s address in an excel sheet. Then I can mail merge labels every year for cards. I email a copy to myself so I can search names in my email and the sheet will pop up if I need an address quick. I also learned a tip to keep a book of stamps in my wallet to always have them with me and it has actually helped several times!

[@SD-qu8vp]

I am pro hand written card, no matter the occasion. It means someone took the time to pick a card, sat down to write it and post it. Does not get better than that❤

[@TheMennomilist]

My mom used to require us to write Thank You cards to anyone who bought us something or gave us something. She expects them from people and complains to me when she doesn't get one. I say, "You shouldn't expect one. It is one thing to give one to people because you appreciate their gift, but it is another thing to expect a card when you give someone something." She says, "It's just polite." I guess there are positives and negatives to it. I still send Thank You cards to people because I don't want anyone mad at me to not do so!!! I always love the MCC has gift catalogs. There are also quilt donations you can do through them that go to families that are refugees. One year my son baked cookies and gave them to people who would donate money for a fund raiser he did for missionaries in India. It is really fun to think of creative ways to get your kids to see what goes on around the world and how they can help. I also like IJM (international Justice Mission) how they have things to help fight human trafficking issues and survivors though a gift catalog.

[@willowgirl2635]

Yes for thank you card, it shows extra effort and care in this busy world.

[@jamiestanley9234]

I have an actual address book as well and probably won’t give it up! Also, I love sending cards just all throughout the year. I like to think of the person opening it and maybe it makes their day a little brighter. But I also, save all cards lol I have boxes of cards and I periodically like to open one and read thru the cards I’ve received

[@micahroyster4502]

Love this topic ladies! I participated in a lot of community work when I was younger and always enjoyed it. It's very important to teach kids to give back to the community. 😊😊

[@SherrieRead]

I love you two together!!! Great topic tonight!!

[@mommared6713]

Oh my goodness!!! Iloooovvvee the merch ladies! And definitely love this idea. I want my family and MYSELF(God grant me wisdom) to remain humble and see all the gifts we have in our lives too. So I love this..

[@buurma_family]

❤ This is just so honest and cute. Really like it Megan and Jayna. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us all. And Megan don’t sell yourself short on gift giving being something you’re good at. You definitely give so much to others by your channels and shop. That’s definitely a big and giving heart.

[@cheryld1502]

Thanks for giving permission to throw away my leftovers right away😊😂 lol that’s so hard !

[@melaniesnyder9165]

Oh! I love card/letter writing. I have a thin wooden suitcase (it used to be one of those art kits) inside I have pencil/pen, stationary, thank you cards, envelopes, a tiny notebook with addresses (I update every Christmas when cards come in) and I have pretty address labels and a few sheets of pretty stamps. It makes letter writing and thank you card writing sooo easy! And it is fun and cozy. 🥰

[@aileneshots]

Love it about the presents, Jana. It dawned on me that I really enjoyed planning out what to get my kids when they were babies, but maybe this year for the first time they are old enough to have opinions and I can listen to that lovingly and set aside the fun it was to plan it all out for them! But I also don't want such a materialistic experience as we've had in years past probably bc they are the only grandkids currently, so that's something I didn't think of! So I want to hear what they want, but go light as we still get them things they desire throughout the year as well!

[@ambbam1010]

Last year I took my 3.5 year old daughter to a toy store and let her pick out any toy she wanted for a local toy drive. I was surprised at how well she understood and she really took her time considering all the options and making her decision. Then we went to drop it off at the toy drive together and she put it in the box. We had a lot of conversation about it(not complicated, but just consistent). It was a really easy way for us to “give back”, but also in a way that she could understand (put herself in another child’s shoes and choose a toy she would want and then give it away). Anyways, just wanted to share that if anyone is looking for a way to involve their child in giving this holiday season!

[@tenalorette2524]

Jayna, I agree 100% with your hot take, but it has taken me 20+ years of saving leftovers to throw them away. What a waste of time and space! I appreciate you both for your content, thanks for sharing the silly and serious.

[@tanyajohnston8262]

So many great thoughts about gratitude. It’s very important for not only girls to not hear about body shaming but also boys about their own or about girls because that could lead them to think body type is more important than personality, faith, etc. I think the Christmas Child shoe boxes can be okay but I’ve heard one issue with it is that a person fills the box and then feels they don’t need to do anything else for those who are poor when actually what they need is food, shelter and clothes. Also my issue is when someone fills the box with dollar store items that have been made by those in poverty (sometimes children), in unsafe working conditions and being abused so we who have more can take advantage of them. As well as cheap items just break so the child who receives this “special” gift, ends up with a broken toy. Maybe if folks did participate in the Christmas child box, gave really good worth while items that are needed and last, as well as helped out the rest of the year those in need, it would all be good. I think we become more generous at Christmas but those in need,need all year. Just my thoughts. Thanks for a great video.

[@amandagorman7800]

Um Megan you are on point! 😆I literally had my first conversation with my toddler this week about saying thank you to a stranger at the store for a sticker----aaaand I have texted a thank you with a picture of a cup to the giver to say thank you roughly 6 months later as I was enjoying it so much. So funny!

[@sarahj3152]

Love the postive content and you ladies are so wholesome. I love it.

[@brook7365]

Just found this podcast. Love it already!!

[@joannafoster3423]

When ours were young, they did extra chores to earn a few dollars. We took them to Dollar Tree and they used their own money to buy gifts for sibs and parents, not mom and dad's money. Now in their teens and 20s they naturally spend their own money on gifts and understand the time, thought, and cost that goes into a gift.... making them more grateful for the gifts they receive. Don't just give your kids the money. Walk through that whole process from earning to giving. You'll be glad you did!

[@everythinghamster7270]

Having lived in Africa - I agree to a point with the idea of not comparing to kids in Africa. There’s no way to do it without privilege or the question of ‘why did God love me to have me born here but not them.’ I suggest adoption organisation of a particular child (compassion intl has a great rep). You can research the country and write monthly for the lifetime of the child and they will write back. Drawings too! You can choose a child of a similar age and grow with them. You can send Christmas gifts and birthday gifts. You pay for education and food. Generosity breeds gratitude. You can also buy a needed gift off the Christmas tree in store with the intention of blessing say 5 families.

[@LauraS1104]

I’m with Jana on the food thing. Toss it!! My MIL keeps stuff for weeks and thinks it’s still good. I fed her bad food(accidentally) because of it. And I absolutely HATE duvets😂😂😂

[@eviewesner6231]

If you want to avoid postage, write it out, take a picture of it, then text it! Give the physical copy the next time you see them

[@HoneyImHomemaker]

There you go!

[@carolyn683]

I really like to get a thank you (card or text) for something I did for someone. It feels good to know that the meal or gift I gave was appreciated.

[@ratniebenezer2721]

Yes, it is. You can see what they do in NC. Amazing work. It is an arm ofBilly Graham Association. But is known as Samaritans Purse. It is 100% legitimate & I have participated in it.

[@Emmy9932]

I would LOVE honey I'm homemaker merch!! If you're open to suggestion I would love a crew neck sweater like the flag you guys have! That peachy color and everything! Because HONEY, I'M HOMEMAKER! 😂❤ Great video as always. Thanks girls!❤

[@janetreyes2777]

Thank you Jayna for permission to throw it out!!😂😂If the animals can’t eat it, why am I storing it???

[@ashlynletourneau]

You can freeze leftovers too!❤

[@Foodandlifelately]

Love your wholesome content ❤️

[@Theimperfecthomemaker]

Jaynas hot take is my favorite 😂

[@gigib4076]

Great podcast ladies!!!!

[@bettyharvath5217]

Watching from Delaware.

[@ozarkview928]

Love your podcast and what a wonderful topic , lots of great advice . I must be old , we didn’t use the word “like” for a filler word 😅

[@jeannieplett878]

I have homemade quilts that my mother in law made, that are not that cute or my style so I use them as inserts for my duvets. That way I’m still using them but can stick to my style. Are my beds fluffy looking? No. But my beds are beautiful.

[@juliejackman2649]

I really like a closed concept home too. Otherwise it feels too big to me. ☺ We don't have any money for Christmas. Really hoping and praying we get help. 🙏 Not that presents are the most important part, but they both have such struggles in life, I hope someone thinks of us. (I'm not dropping a hint, just worried).

[@HoneyImHomemaker]

There are definitely upsides to it!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I also love my 1910 closed concept home! I have ADHD and I would be so distracted with an open concept living space. The benefits Megan named are also positives to me. I have never liked open concept spaces, they feel uncomfortable to me. I think small rooms feel more sheltering and nurturing. Check out Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka, she’s an architect and explains these ideas very well. You can probably borrow her books through your local library. My 9 year old granddaughter and I just watched The Pilgrim’s Progress animated movie a few days ago and I was able to explain the gospel to her. It was a wonderful time together!

[@Angela-ep9pm]

I sincerely hope your family is blessed with what you need and even a few of your hearts desires at Christmas. ❤

[@lizgilmore7314]

I didn't get the food pantry worked Megan as it looked like you got food vouchers for helping. Surely the vouchers should have been given to someone in need.

[@marthaweekes2259]

I recycled the Amazon, target and Walmart catalogs/flyers before they reached our house. I found they turned my four grandchildren into monsters and they completely lost the focus of gratitude, appreciation, and sharing, much less the true meaning of Christmas.

[@ozarkview928]

😂

[@brianpace7866]

One of the most powerful Bible verses we can teach the next generation. 📖⛪ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New Living Translation)

[@Dana-mb1hd]

Love this topic girls! Thanks for making cleaning my house so much more fun! Love these videos megan and jayna!💖💖💖💖

[@Angela-ep9pm]

I’ve never heard anything derogatory about Samaritan’s Purse (Operation Christmas Child). The organization is run by Franklin Graham, the son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, who through the Lord’s anointing led many souls to Christ. Each shoe box is presented to the children along with a gospel message in a language and manner in which they can understand. No doubt many have come to a saving knowledge of Christ through this program. They are also quick to respond to those suffering through war and natural disasters, even setting up field hospitals. I’ve helped support them for quite a number of years and am fully confident each donation is helping to carry out the gospel of Jesus Christ. I would encourage everyone who is able to support them.❤

[@kathleencasella4703]

Great podcast. Many great ideas. ❤

[@tanyajohnston8262]

Ask all your friends and family for their addresses and then once gotten send them all Thank you notes 😅. Haha you did say they would all expect something then so good reason for a Thank you note, too funny.

[@lucygaribaldi]

Love Jayna’s dress! Where is it from??

[@abigailshowalter3865]

Just say “That (stuff) didn’t last long around here!” if you didn’t love the food gift😂😂

[@sjonesblack]

My Christmas card philosophy differs from yours. I do not give a card to anyone I’m going to see during Christmas festivities. I only send cards to family and friends I am not able to see during this time.

[@HoneyImHomemaker]

That makes sense too!

[@cowtownjanet4450]

Same here❣️

[@carolynsassa5355]

Just wondering how long Jaynas robes take to ship

[@jaynaburkholder1507]

1 to 3 business days, if they are in stock❤

[@shirlrebert4469]

I learned to only write in pencil in my address book

[@jamieliik4927]

An easy way to keep addresses is add /update your phone contacts

[@momoflittleladies]

How do you encourage your children to do thank you cards for large families? I had my daughter draw pictures but even at the age of 10 her hand hurts to write 15+ thank you notes… I gave up the idea when she was 8 and crying in pain after hours of sitting at the table 😂 I do have them say thank you immediately afterwards directly to the person.

[@larrypaulus9070]

Maybe you could let her do one simpler thank-you card for the whole family. l agee, making so many cards sounds very daunting!

[@arlenemiller8766]

I have my Christmas card list on my computer with their address. Then I keep a copy that as we receive Christmas cards and if we haven't received one from them in 2 years, their names are taken off the list. There are some Bible school and VS friends that Christmas is the only time we hear from them and I make a Christmas letter about our year. You shouldn't feel bad taking names off the list!!! operation Child Christmas shoe box is a very safe ministry to donate to!!! One shoe box can affect a whole community and been a way for a church to start in another part of the world.

[@dorcasbyler7881]

I people’s addresses in my phone in the contacts. I can’t keep up with a paper address book.

[@cowtownjanet4450]

I don’t feel you are really sooo busy or the cost of a stamp to send a thank you note. In my case I receive graduation or wedding invitations from family or friends’ children that I have never met. I send a nice gift card and never know if they even received them. Hence some kind of note or acknowledgement would sure be appreciated.

[@jerryastevens]

Ok here's a question: Do you still send Christmas cards? I do not 😬

[@HesstonandTandem]

Hot takes have to be controversial or else they are just a warm take 😂😂 people shouldn’t be offended by anything that people say

[@tanyajohnston8262]

I do not like duvet covers, they are so aggravating to put on and take off. I like quilts and comforters.

[@parentalert9350]

Maybe a thank you voice note rather than a thank you text. They’ll hear the genuine gratitude in your voice🤔

[@namelessnelly]

Hi ! Can you please like Megan's skirt and Jayna's dress in this video?

[@BreBreS11]

I loath thank you cards. It just gets too messy trying to keep track of who got what, the addresses, and finding time to write out like 60-100 thank you cards and on top of that doing it during a hard time in your life like a loss or baby in the NICU, whatever it maybe.

[@HoneyImHomemaker]

Yes! I feel so bad when people write me thank you cards!🧡

[@tiffanymackey2382]

I think it's ridiculous that people are expected to send thank you notes for flowers and meals after they've lost a loved one! I'm always so surprised when I receive a thank you note from them! I got a great line from one of my friends recently. She said that when she gives gifts to mothers, she tells them that the second gift is they don't need to send her a thank you card. I always intend to send thank you cards, but I'm sure some slip through the cracks or take longer than I should. I rarely think of getting a thank you card when I give a gift, and I just assume the recipient is grateful. It makes me happier at least! 😂

[@ginazimmerman9071]

Olive Branch Missions is an organization that does Christmas bundles for families in their mission communities. I try to never complain about any type of weather. It iritates me so much when people do that! God created all of it and we need all of it. We must be seriously entitled to think we have any right to complain about that!

[@malindahoover9950]

Make care packages for the homeless and drive through a city to hand them out or buy gifts for children spending Christmas in the hospital

[@HoneyImHomemaker]

Is there a list of recommended items somewhere I wonder? I'll have to look into it!

[@malindahoover9950]

Im sure hospitals would have recommendations if you would call them... as far as care packages for homeless a bag with gloves, hat, granola bars, bottle of water, ect....

[@lorisullivan327]

I make greeting cards, so I’m definitely pro cards ☺️ but time can be super short for a mom - I get it 🩵