In the fast-paced, instant-gratification world of today, children's lack of appreciation and, even worse, a sense of entitlement, have become common complaints. Kids' sometimes insatiable desire for 'more', while barely noticing what they already have, is a typical frustration for many parents.

Parenting Consultant Annie Zirkel’s new book, You’ll Thank Me Later: A Guide to Nurturing Gratitude In Our Children (And Why That Matters) gives parents the tools to combat entitlement and ingratitude while instilling the crucial practice of appreciation.

Gratitude is not just saying, 'Thank you.' It is about feeling thankful. And beyond basic manners, the benefits of true gratitude are powerful: more optimism, higher life satisfaction, and a greater sense of connection to others. In fact, research shows that children who practice grateful thinking have more positive attitudes towards school and their families (Froh, Sefick, & Emmons, 2008). ...continue reading →