“There are times when parenthood seems nothing but feeding the mouth that bites you.” (Peter De Vries)

Every parent, at least once, has complained about their child’s amazing ingratitude. “These kids,” we say while shaking our heads, “they have no idea how good they’ve got it…all I do for them, and this is the thanks I get?!?!?”

Here’s a thought:  If we need to get their gratitude in order to justify doing all we do for them, then we’re attaching emotional strings to our gifts. This means we’re not actually loving them with the gifts of our time and our service, we’re exchanging them for an emotional price to pay.

Here’s another thought: If they don’t appreciate all we do for them, maybe that means we’re doing too much for them. You cannot spoil someone into gratitude.

Do less for them, and what’s left, do without expecting any sort of thanks in return. Then watch what happens.