From Greed to Gratitude: How Wendigo and Mothman Teach Kids the Magic of "Enough"

A Parent's Guide to Cryptid Convos Episode: "*Mothman interviews Wendigo

Picture this: Your five-year-old melts down at Target because they want ALL the toys. Your eight-year-old demands three desserts at dinner. Your ten-year-old insists they "need" the latest video game RIGHT NOW. Sound familiar?

Welcome to what Indigenous storytellers have called "Wendigo sickness" for centuries: that gnawing feeling when our wants grow bigger than our hearts.

In our latest Cryptid Convos episode, the legendary Wendigo travels south from Canada's frozen forests to chat with Mothman about something every parent struggles with: helping kids understand the difference between wanting and needing, and discovering the superpower of gratitude.

The Wendigo's Surprising Secret

Here's what might shock you: The Wendigo isn't actually the monster of modern horror movies. In traditional Indigenous stories, he's a teacher—a living lesson about what happens when greed takes over our hearts.

"For hundreds of years, the ancient people of my land told stories about me to teach important lessons about greed and sharing," Wendigo explains to Mothman. "But then other folks came along and just focused on the scary parts, not the wisdom parts."

The real lesson? When we always want more (e.g., more attention, more toys, more treats), we end up feeling lonely and disconnected from the people who matter most.

"Your Heart Can Growl Too"

One of the most brilliant moments in the episode comes when Wendigo explains emotions in terms kids instantly understand:

"Your belly might growl for food, but your heart can growl too—for attention, for more toys, for being first in line. And it's okay to want those things. The trick is to keep it all in balance."

This metaphor is pure gold for parents. Instead of shaming kids for wanting things (which is totally natural!), we can help them recognize the difference between their belly-growls and their heart-growls.

Next time your child has a meltdown over wanting something, ask: "Is your belly growling or your heart growling right now?" Then help them figure out what they really need—food, attention, comfort, or just a moment to feel their feelings.

The Gratitude Antidote

When Mothman asks about the Wendigo's legendary appetite, the answer is surprisingly sweet:

"Truth is, I'm hungry for friendship, not food. I eat gratitude sandwiches, thankfulness soup, and sharing stew. Much more filling than anything else, and it never gives you a tummy ache!"

Research backs this up: Studies show that kids who practice gratitude have better emotional regulation, stronger friendships, and higher resilience when facing challenges.

Create Your Own Gratitude Menu

You can create your own "gratitude menu" with your kids. Here are some fun ideas:

• Gratitude Sandwiches: What are you thankful for today?

• Thankfulness Soup: Name something warm and cozy in your life.

• Sharing Stew: Tell about a time you shared with someone.

  
  

The Playground Test

Wendigo offers the perfect real-world example that every parent can use:

"Say you're at the playground and there's only one swing left. Your heart might growl and say, 'I need that swing right now!' But if you practice gratitude, you might think, 'I'm grateful I get to play at all. Maybe I can take turns or find something else fun to do.'"

This isn't about denying kids' desires; it's about helping them develop the emotional intelligence to navigate disappointment and find creative solutions.

Navigating Disappointment

When your child faces disappointment, try asking: "What can you be grateful for right now, even though you're sad about this?"

In our Amazon-Prime-instant-gratification world, kids are getting fewer opportunities to practice patience and contentment. Social media algorithms literally profit from keeping us in a state of constant wanting.

But here's the beautiful truth both cryptids share: "Every kid has the power to choose gratitude over greed, sharing over selfishness."

That power of choice? It's the foundation of emotional resilience, healthy relationships, and genuine happiness.

The Deeper Magic

At its heart, this episode teaches something profound: True abundance comes not from having more, but from appreciating what we already have and sharing it with others.

As Wendigo beautifully puts it: "You always have enough when you share what you have. Community and gratitude are the strongest magic in any forest."

In a world that constantly tells our kids they need more to be happy, these two "scary" creatures offer a different path, one where contentment and connection matter more than consumption.

Conclusion: Embracing the Lessons

As we wrap up, let's remember the lessons from our cryptid friends. It’s not just about what we want, but how we can appreciate what we have. By sharing and practicing gratitude, we can create a happier, more connected world for our kids.

So, the next time your child feels overwhelmed by their wants, remind them of the Wendigo's wisdom. Encourage them to explore their feelings, share with others, and find joy in gratitude.

Download free coloring pages of Mothman and Wendigo!