Welcome to a special episode of BluePrints, where we invite back Elizabeth Orthmann, LMFT, to explore how parents can instill a heart of gratitude in their children, counteracting entitlement and fostering a positive outlook.

THE BIG IDEA:

gratitude is a critical and transformative attribute that parents should cultivate in their children to counteract entitlement and promote a positive and abundant outlook on life.

Part 1. (00:00-23:15)

1. Understanding Gratitude:
   • Elizabeth discusses the common misconceptions about gratitude and entitlement in children. She emphasizes that gratitude is not merely about being polite but about recognizing and appreciating what others have contributed to one's life.
   • Timestamp: (06:00) - Elizabeth addresses the clinical perspective on gratitude vs. entitlement.
2. Challenges in Cultivating Gratitude:
   • Discussion on the natural developmental stages of children where self-focus is necessary for survival, transitioning to recognizing the needs and contributions of others as they grow.
   • Timestamp: (09:00) - Explanation of how entitlement can be a misinterpreted drive in children.
3. Practical Steps for Fostering Gratitude:
   • Suggestions include storytelling, regular reflections on daily blessings, and involving children in community services to broaden their perspectives and empathy towards others.
   • Timestamp: (18:00) - Elizabeth and hosts discuss practical activities to practice gratitude.

Part 2. (23:40-43:23)

4. Children Who Have Been Traumatized and How They Interpret Gratitude.
- How a child thinks about gratitude when they don't have a lot. (32:20)

5. Building Practices of Gratitude with Kids
- evening meal, bedtime, rose, bud, thorn. (37:50)

Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

• "Gratitude transforms how we see ourselves and the world around us. It shifts focus from 'me' to 'we.'"
• "Every little expression of thankfulness, no matter how small, contributes to a larger sense of happiness and fulfillment."

Resources:
www.gracebasedfamilies.com
https://storytellerstherapy.com/ (Elizabeth's LMFT practice)