Teaching Thankfulness Over Entitlement

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and like many homeschool moms, I’m already preparing for a season focused on gratitude. Our menu is ready, and the whole family will be here. But beyond planning meals and family gatherings, during the holidays I’m more focused on teaching my kids the heart of Thanksgiving: gratitude over entitlement. In a world where “I want” is often louder than “thank you,” it’s definitely been a challenge.

This year, I’ve been inspired to clear out clutter and pass along blessings. I’ve been filling bags of clothes and household items to donate. My goal isn’t just to create space in our closets, but to instill a mindset of giving in our home. And I’m encouraging my kids to do the same!

So how do we help our kids develop thankfulness, especially during the holiday season? Here are five practical ways to teach thankfulness over entitlement—and a few encouraging Bible verses to help us keep our hearts filled with humility and gratitude.

5 Ways to Teach Thankfulness Over Entitlement

1. Model Humility and Thankfulness

Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” 

Gratitude is contagious, but so is entitlement. As parents, we set the example. Instead of making this season about what we want, let’s focus on the gifts we already have. Share openly with your kids about the joy of giving and serving others, and invite them to do the same.

2. Teach the Value of Money and Stewardship

This season, encourage kids to manage their own small budget for gifts or special treats. If they want to buy a gift for a sibling or friend, give them a set amount and let them make the choice. Teaching kids to spend wisely helps them appreciate what they have. Bargain shopping and looking for ways to stretch dollars also show them the value of resources. They’ll learn that money isn’t limitless and that wise decisions are part of being thankful for what we have.

Proverbs 21:20 tells us, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” 

3. Give Back as a Family

When kids see the needs of others, it helps put their own blessings into perspective. Consider volunteering at a local food bank, creating care packages, or adopting a family in need. We’ve participated in Angel Tree gift-giving, where my kids pick out gifts for children with a parent in prison. Watching their joy as they chose gifts for someone else’s Christmas was a beautiful thing to witness. This hands-on approach helps cultivate a thankful heart in our kids by showing them the impact of generosity.

You can find out how to donate to Angel Tree here.

Acts 20:35 says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 

4. Encourage a Heart of Gratitude Daily

Set aside a time each day in November and December to list a few things you’re grateful for as a family. You can do this during morning devotions, before dinner, or as part of your homeschool routine. Keeping gratitude at the center of our day helps everyone focus on what we have rather than what we don’t.

Colossians 3:15 tells us, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” 

5. Teach That Privileges Come with Responsibilities

In a world where kids often have easy access to technology and entertainment, it’s important to teach that privileges are earned, not just handed over. If your child wants extra screen time or something special, let them “earn” it through chores, helping a sibling, or assisting with a family task. Teaching responsibility helps children appreciate their privileges and see them as blessings rather than entitlements.

Luke 16:10 reminds us, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” 

Verses for Humility and Thankfulness

Encouraging thankfulness and humility isn’t a once-a-year lesson—it’s something we can model and reinforce daily. Here are a few verses to share with your family (and memorize together!) this season as you work to cultivate a spirit of gratitude:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
• James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
• Psalm 136:1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
• Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
• Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

As homeschool parents, we have a unique opportunity to instill values of thankfulness and humility throughout our days. We can turn these lessons into daily practices that become a natural part of our kids’ lives. This holiday season, let’s choose gratitude over entitlement and remind our kids of the blessings we already have—and the joy of sharing those blessings with others.

Walking in Him,
Tricia Goyer

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

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