I did not really do this consciously, but it occurs to me I taught my kids to feel gratitude. I have often pointed out things that were working. We all love watching clouds, and unusual cloud formations and sunrises and sunsets. We all enjoy the sound of dry leaves clattering in trees in the fall, and quality of the air. We enjoy the flowers and tree buds in the spring. We all thoroughly enjoy eating nice meals together, and feeling happy about it.
I have often told them this is a good place to be from, and that they can leave, but they can always come back. We have discussed how their childhood was basically happy, even if it had some difficulties in it. We talk about opportunities, and all the things one can do in life.
It’s odd to contemplate, but it seems that for people like me part of parenting is doing for others what I wish had been done for me. I do not get the full benefit, of course, but do get the pleasure of watching seeds I have planted blossom.
You have to live with courage, and live forward.