Power Moms Unite

In an era in which the media constantly pushes American families towards consuming, children often lose sight of wants versus needs. Instead of appreciating their life, kids are often consumed by wanting things. What is wrong with that, you may ask. Perhaps, that will motivate them to work hard in school, go to college so they can get good jobs and make lots of money to buy more “things.” …and it may, but it will not help them cultivate fulfilling relationships, find emotional peace amidst life’s adversity, or positively contribute to a global community. Finding motivation to buy more things, does not fulfill spiritual and emotional needs.

In an effort to combat the “I want” attitude, our family posted a gratitude list on our refrigerator door. In the days leading to Thanksgiving Day, family members listed all the things for which they were thankful. We challenged each other to see if we could write more gratitude items than the previous day. The list began simply enough, “the world,” “my family,” “my DS Lite,” but then as the challenge continued the thank yous became more inventive. My boys gave thanks for “burping and farting.” My daughter gave thanks for “dolphins” and the “warmth of the sun.” After watching a Discovery Channel special on Africa, we gave thanks for “clean water and indoor plumbing,” “heat” and a “sturdy roof.” In the process of appreciating all the aspects of our lives, we distilled our wants from our needs.