From Toddlers to Teenagers: Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude in Your Kids, with Steph Thurling
Fighting entitlement and nurturing grateful hearts.
As soon as kids are old enough to show their own will, it becomes apparent that they do not naturally drift towards good character. Kids are selfish by nature, and the culture we are raising them in reinforces a spirit of entitlement. Yet, we are not without hope! And you are not alone!

Join Steph Thurling – Executive Director at Christian Parenting, and host of the Christian Parenting Podcast – and I as we talk about ways to cultivate gratitude and fight entitlement in kids, young and old alike! From family prayer ideas, to giving kids work to do (in and outside the house!) this conversation is honest and practical. (Steph and I are in the trenches alongside all of you!)
NOTES:
Learn more about Steph here!
Steph has been on the podcast before, where we talked about raising prayerful kids! Listen to that here. 🙂
Don’t miss it! My Character Training Course Doors are NOW OPEN! (from March 24-31, 2025).
Check out the course page to find everything in there, including an entire bonus module on…(you guessed it!) Inspiring gratitude and fighting entitlement! :). Also, find the new addition to the course: A video of my son, Luke, encouraging the KIDS to live self-disciplined lives, with 5 of Luke’s top daily disciplines (and a printable to go with it!). *All new students from this spring’s sale will be invited to a Zoom call with me in April where I will answer questions and offer some encouragement! 🙂 See Course page here!
Relevant Scriptures:
1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with containment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
Philippians 4:11-13 “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Luke 12:15 “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Matthew 20:26-28 “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”
You can find The Monica Swanson Podcast on all of the podcast platforms…here are just a few of them:
Apple Podcasts
Google Play
Spotify
–> Or you can listen right here! 😀
Powered by RedCircle
Thanks to this episode’s sponsor: Diveintomath.com
Looking for new math and science curriculum?
Looking for new science or math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through the AP level! Your kids will love Dr. Shormann’s short, well-put-together lessons, and Shormann’s Algebra 1 and 2 classes will equip your kids for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice questions! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more!
The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org
Thanks for reading these show notes! If you found this podcast episode helpful, please share it using social media links below!
I’m grateful for my listeners and readers, and would love to connect with you! You can subscribe to receive my fun and resource packed weekly emails, say hi on Facebook , or find me on Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.
You can NOW ORDER my NEW BOOK: Becoming Homeschoolers: Give Your Kids a Great Education, a Strong Family, and a Life They’ll Thank You for Later.
Learn more about it on Amazon.
My book, RAISING AMAZING, released on February 21, 2023! (Zondervan) In it you’ll find Biblical wisdom and practical advice for Moms and Dads to raise kids of character and faith, who embrace strong family connections. (A favorite feature: There is a “Word to the dads” at the end of each chapter written by my husband, Dave!) You can ORDER NOW!
My book, BOY MOM, was released in August of 2019 (Waterbrook Multnomah) and is full of practical advice and helpful resources for raising boys. It’s great for personal reading, or to use as a study for small groups!
Order it here: Boy Mom: What Your Son Needs Most from You
*Some of the products I share are affiliate links. Thank you so much!!
Related