I’m coming to you today with a tip about ungrateful kids. So many of my clients worry that they’re raising entitled kids who don’t appreciate what they’re given. This week, I’m sharing a tip straight from my Moms of Strong Willed Boys Facebook Group about how to raise grateful kids.

Stay ’till the end if you’re a Teen Boy Mom! I have a special tip for you too!

Tip #1: Try the 3 Rs to Raise Grateful Kids

Have you ever thought, “My kid has no idea how good he has it”? Or have you asked yourself (be honest), “Am I raising an ungrateful, entitled brat?” Here are three ways to counteract those concerns and raise a grateful kid.

Role Model: Lay your own gratitude on thick. Say things like, “Wow, this is amazing,” or “I feel so lucky to have this.” It will seep in! Kids learn by watching you, and when gratitude is visible and genuine, it becomes part of the family culture.

Relationship: When ungrateful behavior arises, prioritize your relationship with them over “being right” about their attitude. Believe me, when kids feel “relational safety,” gratitude comes naturally. It changes what they’re capable of, including their ability to feel (and someday express) authentic appreciation.

Requests: Don’t be shy. Make a kind but powerful request, preferably in a playful way. If you give them something and get an ungrateful response, you can say:

• “I think what you mean is, ‘Thanks, Mom!'”
• “What am I, chopped liver? Aren’t you forgetting something?”
• “I’ll tickle you ’til you thank me.” (great for teen boys!)

What Not to Do:

• Don’t shame them. It will backfire and kill genuine appreciation.
• Don’t punish them. It will lead to resentment and more resistance.

Do you have work to do in this area? Or are you ready to pivot and try the 3 Rs?

Tip #2: Teen Boy Moms – Understanding “Are You Even Listening?”

I know YOU’RE listening, but is YOUR SON? Do you find yourself saying or thinking, “How do I reach him?” when your son is silent, sarcastic, shut down, or tuning you out?

Here’s what’s really happening: teen boys aren’t trying to be difficult. Their brains are going through massive changes that affect how they process communication, especially with their moms. When you understand the science behind why teen boys tune out, you can work with those changes instead of against them.

The key is shifting your communication approach. Instead of repeating yourself louder or resorting to consequences, you need strategies that press your son’s “Communicate Now” button. This means:

• Understanding why “relational safety” matters more than ever during the teen years
• Learning how to make requests that your son can actually hear
• Knowing when to back off and when to lean in
• Creating space for him to open up on his terms

The way you communicate with your teen now is the way he will someday communicate with his own partner, his kids, and everyone else in his life. Healthy communication leads to healthy, lifelong relationships. This work you’re doing matters more than you know.

If you’re feeling invisible, ignored, or pushed away, know that you’re not alone. These challenges are normal, and there are proven strategies that work.

Struggling with an ungrateful kid or a shut-down teen? Consider joining our Boy Mom Academy. We have weekly support groups, including a special one for teen boy moms.