We try to teach the kids to see the joy in simple pleasures. To be happy about even going to see Grandpa at the hospital, that it's a simple pleasure to still be able to go see him even though they don't like going to the hospital. To be happy it's a sunny day, to be happy that they aren't couped up inside. Not to argue over what movie they are going to watch, but to be grateful they are able to watch a movie.

What/How do you teach your kids about simple pleasures?

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That's a tough one. I try to point things out, but at their ages sometimes it gets lost on them. Sometimes I get glimpses of what I'm teaching actually having an effect, so I think it just takes time and maturity to enjoy the simple things. I think that if you are a good role model in what you do, say, and appreciate it will rub off on them eventually. I'd like to hear what others say!

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My kids are like this and my girlfriends daughter isn't. We were just talking about it this morning. The difference is, we really don't go to a lot of places. We amuse ourselves right here at home. They don't get something everytime they go to the store, so they don't expect to.

and the other hand

My girlfriend is always on the go, so her daughter isn't content at home. She gets irritated with her always asking where they can go next. She does get goodies when the go out, so of course, she wants them more.

I'm not saying one is right and one is wrong, but I think kids take their Qs from their parents. If the parents are excited and appreciative about the small things in life, their kids will be too.

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The mighty oak started out as a nut that held its ground.

I think alot of it is kids seeing YOU enjoying the simple pleasures in life. That's my short answer without going into alot of examples

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I think my kids are teaching ME to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. I'm always amazed at how little it takes to amuse them. We don't go a whole lot of places, either, especially with the food allergy situation. They are happy to stay home most of the time; that in part started me on my simplification plan. It made me realize I didn't always have to be running out to the stores... my kids don't want or need all the stuff I buy. And when you stay home, you can get a lot more done as far as keeping things organized and more enjoyable.

I try to encourage the kids to enjoy nature, books, family, etc. They are still pretty young, so like Kim said, I'm not sure how much they absorb. But they seem to have it figured out pretty well with not much help from me

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

This is exactly what I was going to type. I have to stop, set back and make my self aware of the simple pleasures, becasue they do seem to get lost in all the craziness of life. My boys for being so young, make me realize how fun the 10 min car trip to Wal*Mart can be when they're in the back raising their hands in the back seat and saying whoooooo when we go over a hill! I think this is just one of those things that you have to make a priority to instill in them. Simple pleasures, and being content have got to be two of the hardest thing to teach kids.

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I think kids learn *so* much by watching their parents. Just like with say, manners...if you don't use proper manners or common curtesy, it can be hard to teach your kid manners/common curtesy.

I love going to the library, I always have and now my kids do too. Same for things like taking a walk on a beautiful night, playing in fall leaves, watching flowers or vegetables grow in the summertime, playing in the sand on the beach etc