MBA Episode 60: Fostering Joy in 2021: The Role of Gratitude

Welcome to the first podcast of 2021! Amy and Hillary have been hard at work on our second book, but they are still putting together podcasts, too. In light of 2020 and the start of 2021, they thought it was especially important to focus on joy for the next several podcasts. This first episode in […]

The post MBA Episode 60: Fostering Joy in 2021: The Role of Gratitude appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.

Welcome to the first podcast of 2021! Amy and Hillary have been hard at work on our second book, but they are still putting together podcasts, too. In light of 2020 and the start of 2021, they thought it was especially important to focus on joy for the next several podcasts. This first episode in the series will emphasize the value of gratitude in our lives. What do you do to help your kids be grateful, even when the world might seem like a dumpster fire? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. And don’t forget to LIKE this podcast and SUBSCRIBE (if you’re on our YouTube channel).

We reveal the details of our second book!
Reflecting on 2020 and a kind of weird start to 2021
We love our Floridian Mama and Papa bears! We’re laughing WITH you, not at you!
How can we foster gratitude in the midst of chaos?

Mental health issues among children are on the rise in the pandemic
The role gratefulness can play in refocusing and helping us see the good
(6:00) Abraham Lincoln quote about looking for the bad and finding it (oops!, he didn’t actually say that, it was in the film Pollyanna)…but it’s still a good sentiment)

Our greatest testimony is our action and behavior in front of our kids.
Click To Tweet

Why is gratitude important?

Gratitude changes how you see things.
Ingratitude is the doorway to other sins.
Gratitude changes your brain for the better.

Mental health in 2020 (Gallup poll)
Gratitude is correlated with well-being. (Study from Eastern Washington University)

Gratitude can be fostered.

How can we teach our kids to be grateful?

ROAR: look for the good, get rid of the bad
Look for ways to help others.
Smiling changes your brain.

People, Images, and Resources Mentioned:

“Covid: The devastating toll of the pandemic on children” (BBC)

Mama Bear Apologetics (book)

I Feel Pretty (film, 2018)

“Voluntarily Smiling Changes Regional Brain Activity” (Psychological Science, Sept. 1993)

Pre-order the Mama Bear Apologetics Study Guide here!

“I am Thankful” (Poem, Author Unknown)

I’m thankful for…

Laundry – because it means that my family has clothes to wear.

Dishes – because it means that my family has food to eat.

Bills – because it means that we have financial provisions.

Making Beds – because it means we have a warm, soft place to rest at night.

Dusting – because it means we have furniture to enjoy.

Vacuuming – because it means we have a home to care for.

Picking Up Toys – because it means I have children to bring joy to my life.

Scripture References:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Philippians 4:3

Romans 1

Quotable Quotes:

“Gratefulness is a good way to help our kids refocus and not dwell on the bad.” – Amy

“Mental health in 2020 went down for everyone except those who are religious and attended church regularly—their mental health went up.” Amy, discussing a recent Gallup poll

“ROAR in your everyday life. #ROARLikeAMother” – Mama Bear Team

“Our greatest testimony is our action and behavior in front of our kids.” – Amy

“Prayer changes me.” – Grandma on TV show, Dawson’s Creek

“One of the best things about 2020 was that a lot of people had a perspective shift.” – Hillary

 

Do you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

Donate to the podcast on our website.

Looking for detailed podcast notes, which include time-stamps, definitions, full Bible verses, and more? We provide them to Patrons on Patreon who donate $10 or more per month. If you’re interested in learning more about Patreon and our giving levels, please visit patreon.com/MamaBearApologetics.

 

Hillary Morgan Ferrer

Hillary Morgan Ferrer is the founder of Mama Bear Apologetics. She is the chief author and editor of Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies and Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality: Empowering Your Kids to Understand and Live Out God’s Design. Hillary has her masters in Biology and has been married to her husband, Dr. John D. Ferrer, for 15 years. Don’t let her cook for you. She’ll burn your house straight to the ground.

www.mamabearapologetics.com

The post MBA Episode 60: Fostering Joy in 2021: The Role of Gratitude appeared first on Mama Bear Apologetics.