“Dad, it’s not fair Katie gets to go to grandma’s house. Why does she get to go and not me?” The obvious answer is, “You’ll get your turn.” But is that the best answer? I’m not so sure. The fact is there aren’t any guarantees that will happen. Something—heaven forbid—could happen to grandma, or the family could move away. Perhaps the best answer is, “Let’s be happy for Katie? Katie gets to spend time with Grandma helping her with things around the house.” But make sure Katie isn’t rubbing it in, either. Explain to Katie that it’s a privilege to go to grandma’s house and teach her how to be humble about being chosen to go. As our kids get older, they’ll quickly celebrate new opportunities as blessings, not entitlements.

Suggested Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:18