A child who does not appreciate what his parents have done for him can be a source of great pain; the parent feels that no matter how hard he or she works, it is never enough. But even though there may seem to be no hope and your situation seems bleak and stormy, there is still reason to rejoice…
How to discipline your children: setting limits while still showing them love
We will give you practical strategies for dealing with ungrateful children, so that you no longer feel burdened by them.
The Spanish writer Enrique Jardiel Poncela once said:
“A father’s judgment of his son is often more forgiving than a son’s judgment of his father.”
An ungrateful son is one who does not recognize the sacrifices, love and all that his parents do for him. This can manifest itself in many ways-from contempt to disrespect or words—but it always shows up at some point.
They often speak without considering what others feel, demand what they want without asking, and fail to recognize the sacrifices parents make for them. It is often seen in children or adolescents who have a bad temper—or are constantly justifying and victimizing themselves.
If you do not reprimand your child for being ungrateful, their attitude can destroy the parent-child bond. Be sure that they understand how fortunate they are to have a loving family by showing them what happens when people lack appreciation: society falls apart.
Parents should spend time with their children and let them know that they love them, no matter what. This will help the child develop a sense of gratitude for others’ goodwill and improve his or her own behavior toward others.
Helping children feel grateful through setting loving limits
Parents can greatly influence the development of their children, including how they feel and express gratitude.
Sometimes we are the cause of our children’s ingratitude, because we fail to set appropriate boundaries in their lives.
Yet, it is important to note that setting limits does not mean denying freedom or being restrictive with our children. In fact, establishing appropriate boundaries for them helps them learn responsibility and develop good values.
We should not be afraid to set rules for our children and let them know when they have gone beyond what is acceptable.
How to help our children grow up feeling confident and capable of taking care of themselves
Let’s not give our children everything they want without measure—material things, permissions or activities. If we do, they may take it for granted; and as a result won’t value what they have.
We must teach our children responsibility and assign them tasks so they become independent as early in life as possible.
Ignoring teenagers’ opinions and not giving them responsibilities will stunt their emotional development.
Tips for setting limits and getting respect without jeopardizing your relationship
Parents must acknowledge their own shortcomings when dealing with an ungrateful child.
So we must set boundaries with love, demand respect and make our children aware of what are acceptable limits. But at the same time let them learn from their mistakes—and face consequences when they break those rules
When our children are ungrateful for the efforts we make on their behalf, it is important that we stand firm and refuse to give in. We must show them love and discipline by making them express what they expect from us—and then assign such tasks as will help teach responsibility.
We parents must set an example for our children by maintaining a solid marriage. This will help them understand the importance of respect, and if we enforce boundaries and demand respect from them—despite their ungrateful behavior—they’ll learn to appreciate us more.
