"Mommy, why do you and daddy always say we are lucky?", my eldest asked me this morning.
"Why? Don't you feel lucky?" I asked.
Do you have shelter above your head? Did you eat breakfast this morning? Do you have clothes to wear? Do you have parents? Do you have your siblings?
He nodded for all...
Be Grateful.
Please understand is that we are not rich. Everything we have needs to be worked hard for, not something that just falls on our hands. But still, we try not to deprive you of things that you need.
If you start comparing yourselves to others on things that you don't have then you will start to become unhappy. Instead, try to count your blessings.. Be grateful for the things (material or not) that you have.
There are people who don't even have homes. But we do. Small, yes. But we do have a home where we can sleep together and bond as a family.
Since we live far away from the Philippines, we try to watch Philippines documentaries to open your eyes that life is not only that what we see here in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Beyond the extravagance is a place where some people don't even have homes. Kids who need to work just to be able to have something to put in their tiny stomachs.
Child, be thankful you don't need to go through that.
Do you know that there are kids who are separated from their parents because their parents need to work to another country? They cannot even hug or kiss their parents.
We try not to be like them. We work hard not to be separated from each other. Yes, there was a time when we needed to sacrifice and leave you in the Philippines for some time, but that is over.
Count your blessings.
Love of family is way greater than any other material things. Toys, they may get lost or broken. But your family, we will never leave you, we shall heal you when you are broken.
Anak, please learn to be grateful of what you have. Be happy. You are loved. You are lucky.
I hope he understood me well and felt lucky enough by the time we ended the conversation.
All images are by the Author (unless otherwise stated) taken via Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Edits via PicsArt
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Precious conversations, the kind that nurtures.🧡
Yep, we try... parenting is really challenging. The toughest job in the world indeed.
What you have said about be grateful is true. Indeed when we have that feelings inside, we will always think enough with what we have now. This grateful should be said and applied throughout our life! Myself who has child with autism always look at it not as a tragedy but it is a blessing coz she has taught me a lots especially being patience. ;)
Thanks for passing by @esdee! Life is not always a walk in the park. Most of the time it is hard, but the way we look at our circumstances make any burden easier to bear. We have to always think positively. That's what I think.
This is beautiful sis! We should always count our blessings, no matter how big or small it may be. Let the children know how to appreciate what they have. Sobrang swerte nga natin kung tutuusin kung iccompare sa ibang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas. For that, I'm more than grateful ❤
Korek ka jan sis. Yan lagi kong sinasabi sa panganay ko most especially. Mga bata kasi dito, mostly wala talagang idea about poverty since ang nakikita eh puro marangya.. Kelangan ipamulat din na hindi laging ganun. :D
I had the same thinking hanggang elem since private school ako lahat ng kklase ko mayayaman. pagdtng ko ng highschool at college dun ko narealize na mdami pla talagang sobrang hirap sa buhay, tipong ultimo tuition hirap kitain. mas naappreciate ko yung life namin that time.
I love the way you exhibited to your child that you are indeed lucky. Many children take too much for granted these days. It's refreshing to see parents actually discussing what truly matters in life and stressing the important things like gratitude to their kids.
Yes, since we as parents want to give the best to our kids most kids really do not have ideas how difficult life can be for others...
I have the same conversation with my son almost each day. ;-)
It's best to remind them all the time! <3