Actually, that's not just kids. Grownups have attitude problems also. For example, they develop a grudge against a person - and forever after whatever that individual says or does will invariably be wrong. Any rate, back to the example of the ornery kid at the fair - maybe she needs a good talking to in order to shake her free of this attitude problem and let her approach the ferris wheel and horse pulls and petting zoo with a new frame of mind. New attitudes are the beginning.
New emotions follow.
And if we can develop the appropriate attitude, then emotions and expressions of gratitude will follow on their own. Gratitude - you need it. Gratitude - do it. Watchful and thankful - catch the order there. Seeing the birth of three babies in this congregation over the last few months and this morning's baptism of Matthew remind me of what I experienced as a first-time parent.