“A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses.”
~Chinese Proverb
I‘m a bit of out of sorts. The children had the day off from school and so did we. It feels odd, tomorrow being middle of the week.
This morning we went for a walk. This in itself is not unusual. We walk often. What was unusual, was running into my father two blocks outside our house. He was delivering flowers, and we live on the other side of town. The odds of him passing us at that particular moment, in a city of nearly half a million people were slim.
“Was that Pop?” Daisy said. “I think I just saw Pop.” She repeated herself without missing a beat in expectation of my disbelief.
The four of us held hands on the corner as my father pulled the car full of flowers against the curb and idled.
It was California crisp. The sun was confident enough to fill the sky, but not cruel enough to make us anything less than perfectly comfortable.
Pop rolled down the windows and I immediately smelled the pungent scent I’d slowly grown immune to over the dozen years I peddled petals. Our exchange was brief, mostly made of fancy meeting you here; the motor was running, and the flowers weren’t getting any fresher. Max and Mia each took a final whiff of the flowers before waving farewell.
I said good-bye to Pop. Neither of us said anything during the quiet that passed between us, each one remembering a time when we had less sharing to do, and time didn’t arrive in such a premium. He turned around, we waved goodbye, and continued our trek to Walmart for an armload of essentials.
We took care of our must dos, then headed toward the deepest pocket of the nation’s smallest Walmart (located smack in the middle of downtown). We wandered the toy aisles, and allowed the children to look like we always do. They love this activity, both of them constantly drawing imaginary lists. “Can I have this for my birthday?” Max will ask, even though his birthday is still seven months away. “Can I have this for Christmas?” Mia will look up, even though she already knows the answer.
“You may add it to your list,” we say.
Max’s current favorite X on the treasure map is tied between anything Thomas and anything having to do with garbage trucks, or trash in general. This morning, he parked himself at the bottom of the Thomas display, pulled a box from the shelf, and ran his fingers across the top. He turned it in his hands and traced the letters, starting with the T and ending with the S. He returned the box to the shelf and pulled down another. He continued to do this with a series of boxes, investigating the merit of each.
Max knows there is no possibility that we are leaving with anything beyond what we came for. There never is. We leave the house with only cash, and perhaps a dollar or two more than we might need. Daisy and I have been parents long enough to know our shortcomings. Max has a handful of expressions that could possibly convince us to crumble our cardinal rule of NO CREDIT.
Daisy and I have never been more excited for the holidays. They will be modest for certain, but Max, for the first time, will have toys that he will not have to share. Max is by nature, an immeasurably generous child. During his first year of life, he shared everything he had with his sister, always and without hesitation. Daisy and I have run the preschool since he was one, and he has carried the habit forward like an eye color.
We’ve given him plenty of opportunities. Every time he has a birthday or occasion for gift, we tell Max that he does not have to take it downstairs if he doesn’t want to. But that just isn’t in his nature. The Radio Flyer tricycle Pop bought him stayed his for only days. Max doesn’t know the opposite of share.
It is okay to have some things that belong to only you. It could be your favorite book or toy, a journal, or perhaps your parents. This Christmas, we are giving the world to our children.
Writer Dad
Ghostwriter Dad specializes in SEO web copy and custom blog posts. Just in case yesterday was your day off, you can find Lucas with the lid off here.
About Sean Platt
From the time Bird was old enough to have playmates, I have told him that he may choose to put away any special toy that he doesn’t want to share – and he never has. I have, but not him.
One of his friends has issues with sharing, and will snatch a toy out of another child’s hand and place it where they cannot reach it. He will do it continually until there are no toys left. Recently, he has added a spoken element, telling the other children that they may not play with HIS toys, they are HIS and no one can touch them unless HE says so. The funny thing is, he does this even when the toys AREN’T his!
Poor Bird gets so frustrated, but even so…when the kids are at our house, he never takes toys from them and hides them or throws them down the stairs or denies access. Again, sometimes I do (because I really don’t want them out, or I know they’re delicate and require care in play – something one child may achieve, but a herd can’t manage), but he’s game.
The dynamic of “share”, the concept of ownership, is so different for children, isn’t it? I know Bird’s friend didn’t learn his behavior from his mother, who is generous, kind, and deeply frustrated with his behavior…so where does it come from? Is he uncertain of himself, and therefor seeking to define his boundaries? Does that mean your sweet Max is confident of himself, and doesn’t need to identify himself by his toys and his control of them?
Bears thinking about.
I think it’s awesome that Max is so willing to share, that he has a generous spirit…and that he will have the opportunity to simply enjoy what is his this holiday season, without thought, but with the simple joy only a child can muster .
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who needs to shop the way you do, because she’s a complete sucker when shopping with the Evil Genius…or without!)
Kyddryns last blog post..Veteran’s Day
From the time Bird was old enough to have playmates, I have told him that he may choose to put away any special toy that he doesn’t want to share – and he never has. I have, but not him.
One of his friends has issues with sharing, and will snatch a toy out of another child’s hand and place it where they cannot reach it. He will do it continually until there are no toys left. Recently, he has added a spoken element, telling the other children that they may not play with HIS toys, they are HIS and no one can touch them unless HE says so. The funny thing is, he does this even when the toys AREN’T his!
Poor Bird gets so frustrated, but even so…when the kids are at our house, he never takes toys from them and hides them or throws them down the stairs or denies access. Again, sometimes I do (because I really don’t want them out, or I know they’re delicate and require care in play – something one child may achieve, but a herd can’t manage), but he’s game.
The dynamic of “share”, the concept of ownership, is so different for children, isn’t it? I know Bird’s friend didn’t learn his behavior from his mother, who is generous, kind, and deeply frustrated with his behavior…so where does it come from? Is he uncertain of himself, and therefor seeking to define his boundaries? Does that mean your sweet Max is confident of himself, and doesn’t need to identify himself by his toys and his control of them?
Bears thinking about.
I think it’s awesome that Max is so willing to share, that he has a generous spirit…and that he will have the opportunity to simply enjoy what is his this holiday season, without thought, but with the simple joy only a child can muster .
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who needs to shop the way you do, because she’s a complete sucker when shopping with the Evil Genius…or without!)
Kyddryns last blog post..Veteran’s Day
Hi Writer Dad – I was smiling as I read this. It reminded me of when I was a kid and wanted everything I saw in the Christmas catalogs. I would write long lists and give them to my parents. I knew I wouldn’t get much off the list, but dreaming of what Christmas morning would bring was even better than the morning itself.
Christmas is definitely for children. It sounds like this year will be extra special for you and your family.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Are Domain Names Over Rated
Hi Writer Dad – I was smiling as I read this. It reminded me of when I was a kid and wanted everything I saw in the Christmas catalogs. I would write long lists and give them to my parents. I knew I wouldn’t get much off the list, but dreaming of what Christmas morning would bring was even better than the morning itself.
Christmas is definitely for children. It sounds like this year will be extra special for you and your family.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Are Domain Names Over Rated
You reminded me of how much about the holidays is the mindset and the anticipation. It sounds like you’re anticipation is filled to the brim and I think that’s where some holidays shine — creating that special something extra feeling, even if it’s as simple as simply looking forward to whatever spoken and unspoken promises there might be.
Giving the world to your kids is huge, especially through kid’s eyes.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Design a Routine for Exceptional Thinking
You reminded me of how much about the holidays is the mindset and the anticipation. It sounds like you’re anticipation is filled to the brim and I think that’s where some holidays shine — creating that special something extra feeling, even if it’s as simple as simply looking forward to whatever spoken and unspoken promises there might be.
Giving the world to your kids is huge, especially through kid’s eyes.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Design a Routine for Exceptional Thinking
Surely, sharing gives Max a lot of joy. It seems Max is as mature as they come – he is learning early about the things that make him happy. Keep telling him what you said in that closing paragraph – so he knows when to give some back to himself.
My parents tried their best to give us everything we ever wanted – even with very limited means. After all these years, all I remember is what they wanted to give us – I have no memories of what I did not get – none whatsoever. It is wonderful that are giving your kids the world. They understand it alright!
Mayas last blog post..Slideshow: Dogs Lessons for Life and Work
Surely, sharing gives Max a lot of joy. It seems Max is as mature as they come – he is learning early about the things that make him happy. Keep telling him what you said in that closing paragraph – so he knows when to give some back to himself.
My parents tried their best to give us everything we ever wanted – even with very limited means. After all these years, all I remember is what they wanted to give us – I have no memories of what I did not get – none whatsoever. It is wonderful that are giving your kids the world. They understand it alright!
Mayas last blog post..Slideshow: Dogs Lessons for Life and Work
One of the first words all my children learnt was MINE.
The first one taught it to the other three.
Not ideal but as a result they’re all ace negatiators.
I’m always looking for the silver lining :)
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Why Cleaning Your Toilet Could Be Bad For Your Children’s Health
One of the first words all my children learnt was MINE.
The first one taught it to the other three.
Not ideal but as a result they’re all ace negatiators.
I’m always looking for the silver lining :)
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Why Cleaning Your Toilet Could Be Bad For Your Children’s Health
My youngest daughter’s Christmas list went on the fridge about a month ago. She’s pretty good at this—making sure it’s available for the longest possible amount of time. But she gave me real pause two years ago when, amongst the usual request for iPods and DVDs she wrote, “More friends.”
Charlie Hillss last blog post..The Big Announcement
My youngest daughter’s Christmas list went on the fridge about a month ago. She’s pretty good at this—making sure it’s available for the longest possible amount of time. But she gave me real pause two years ago when, amongst the usual request for iPods and DVDs she wrote, “More friends.”
Charlie Hillss last blog post..The Big Announcement
I greatly enjoyed going on your ‘Wal-Mart run’ with the family. I could just see Max as he sat in front of that Thomas display, rubbing the boxes like they were a genie’s lamp. Thanks for sharing! Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..Can Our Kids REALLY Be Whatever They Want To Be?
I greatly enjoyed going on your ‘Wal-Mart run’ with the family. I could just see Max as he sat in front of that Thomas display, rubbing the boxes like they were a genie’s lamp. Thanks for sharing! Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..Can Our Kids REALLY Be Whatever They Want To Be?
Well, not to be contrarian, but I’m struck by the back story – if that’s what you call it – here. This was so beautifully written, one could happily weep. Sean, your TONE here! You are so in this moment. All is calm, all is bright, all is right on this day and in this period with your family. You have us so vividly with you, too.
I suspect you might look at this snapshot when you need a touchstone long from now. Thanks.
Betsy Wuebkers last blog post..REMEMBER
Well, not to be contrarian, but I’m struck by the back story – if that’s what you call it – here. This was so beautifully written, one could happily weep. Sean, your TONE here! You are so in this moment. All is calm, all is bright, all is right on this day and in this period with your family. You have us so vividly with you, too.
I suspect you might look at this snapshot when you need a touchstone long from now. Thanks.
Betsy Wuebkers last blog post..REMEMBER
Ironically, my mother taught me not to share.
Well, not quite. What she taught me is that, ideally, I should share, because it’s the nice thing to do, but that in reality, I shouldn’t let other kids see my nice toys because then I’d have to share them, and then they would end up broken/stolen/worn out.
These little paranoias worked their way into my impressionable young mind and stuck fast. I have spent most of my life following Shakespeare’s advice (via Polonius) to “neither a borrower nor a lender be.”
Aylads last blog post..“From fairest creatures we desire increase”
Ironically, my mother taught me not to share.
Well, not quite. What she taught me is that, ideally, I should share, because it’s the nice thing to do, but that in reality, I shouldn’t let other kids see my nice toys because then I’d have to share them, and then they would end up broken/stolen/worn out.
These little paranoias worked their way into my impressionable young mind and stuck fast. I have spent most of my life following Shakespeare’s advice (via Polonius) to “neither a borrower nor a lender be.”
Aylads last blog post..“From fairest creatures we desire increase”
Ahhhhhhh…I remember the time when Thomas was front and center in my house. I really miss that useful engine. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane.
With me, it wasn’t a day care but a preschool I started at my church. In the early days of this adventure I would load up my van with my boys toys and take them to preschool to be shared. My boys didn’t have a problem with sharing their toys. It seems that was the case until their toys contained mega bites and digitalness.
Be careful Sean, what happened to me will no doubt happen to you. I turned around and my little guy was moving off to college. How could that be, he was only 5 years old wasn’t he?
I think I’ll go look and see if Thomas is stuffed somewhere back in the closet today. I may have to take him out and roll him around on the table a bit. Just for old times sake of course. ;O)
Ahhhhhhh…I remember the time when Thomas was front and center in my house. I really miss that useful engine. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane.
With me, it wasn’t a day care but a preschool I started at my church. In the early days of this adventure I would load up my van with my boys toys and take them to preschool to be shared. My boys didn’t have a problem with sharing their toys. It seems that was the case until their toys contained mega bites and digitalness.
Be careful Sean, what happened to me will no doubt happen to you. I turned around and my little guy was moving off to college. How could that be, he was only 5 years old wasn’t he?
I think I’ll go look and see if Thomas is stuffed somewhere back in the closet today. I may have to take him out and roll him around on the table a bit. Just for old times sake of course. ;O)
This was a wonderful, leisurely post to take in while drinking my coffee this morning. I love how the style and pace of it reflect perfectly how a mid-week day off of school feels. (I had one of those days with my kids yesterday, too.)
Kristin T.s last blog post..Politics, religion & sex
This was a wonderful, leisurely post to take in while drinking my coffee this morning. I love how the style and pace of it reflect perfectly how a mid-week day off of school feels. (I had one of those days with my kids yesterday, too.)
Kristin T.s last blog post..Politics, religion & sex
Hi there… it’s interesting hearing of your family’s experience and perspective on life. How amazing are kids?! This post really reinforced to me how special and amazing my own kids are, and how much they mean to me. Thanks for sharing.
Rosss last blog post..Be inspired in troubled times
Hi there… it’s interesting hearing of your family’s experience and perspective on life. How amazing are kids?! This post really reinforced to me how special and amazing my own kids are, and how much they mean to me. Thanks for sharing.
Rosss last blog post..Be inspired in troubled times
Kyddryn: “Does that mean your sweet Max is confident of himself, and doesn’t need to identify himself by his toys and his control of them?” I believe this is an apt description of Max. Bird is setting a good example for his friends who are less able to share. They in turn are setting an example for him. Children need examples for contrast just as they need examples to emulate.
Barbara: Christmas this year is about our family, and rest. It will be the first two week vacation I’ve ever had in my life, and the first significant time off, Daisy and I have had together. Ever. I cannot wait.
J.D. Meir: Like I said to Barbara, this holiday has been a LONG time coming. I can’t wait to build a million new memories.
Maya: I always remember the holidays fondly. My parents also tried to give us more than they really could ever afford to. When our children reflect on the holidays many years from now, I do not want them to remember the gifts. I want them to remember the time.
Dave: Seeing the silver lining is just about the most important skill in our set.
Charlie: Wow. Can you imagine a grown up being so honest?
Eric: My pleasure. A genie’s lamp… wish I’d thought of that. It’s good.
Betsy: That’s the plan, Betsy. WD is definitely my journal. I just happen to be sharing it with anyone who cares to gander. Thanks for gandering.
Aylad: No fair working Shakespeare in before lunchtime. I really like what you said about the little paranoias working their way into your impressionable young mind. That is so true. As parents, it’s natural for our quirks to become the quirks of our children, and so we must always be mindful.
Laurie: As I type this, Max is bundled beside me, sick and in quarantine, while Thomas is being a useful engine in front of us. Please do not talk about moving off to college. Such sentiments make me sad. Max said he wants to go to college in a red garbage truck. While I love his method of transport, I’m not in a hurry to see him rev the engine.
Kristin: Thanks for the compliment on the pace. I always question myself when writing a post with less focus, but less focused was precisely how I was feeling. I hope your day with your kids had as little focus as possible. : > )
Ross: As amazing as anything else in this world. My absolute pleasure.
Kyddryn: “Does that mean your sweet Max is confident of himself, and doesn’t need to identify himself by his toys and his control of them?” I believe this is an apt description of Max. Bird is setting a good example for his friends who are less able to share. They in turn are setting an example for him. Children need examples for contrast just as they need examples to emulate.
Barbara: Christmas this year is about our family, and rest. It will be the first two week vacation I’ve ever had in my life, and the first significant time off, Daisy and I have had together. Ever. I cannot wait.
J.D. Meir: Like I said to Barbara, this holiday has been a LONG time coming. I can’t wait to build a million new memories.
Maya: I always remember the holidays fondly. My parents also tried to give us more than they really could ever afford to. When our children reflect on the holidays many years from now, I do not want them to remember the gifts. I want them to remember the time.
Dave: Seeing the silver lining is just about the most important skill in our set.
Charlie: Wow. Can you imagine a grown up being so honest?
Eric: My pleasure. A genie’s lamp… wish I’d thought of that. It’s good.
Betsy: That’s the plan, Betsy. WD is definitely my journal. I just happen to be sharing it with anyone who cares to gander. Thanks for gandering.
Aylad: No fair working Shakespeare in before lunchtime. I really like what you said about the little paranoias working their way into your impressionable young mind. That is so true. As parents, it’s natural for our quirks to become the quirks of our children, and so we must always be mindful.
Laurie: As I type this, Max is bundled beside me, sick and in quarantine, while Thomas is being a useful engine in front of us. Please do not talk about moving off to college. Such sentiments make me sad. Max said he wants to go to college in a red garbage truck. While I love his method of transport, I’m not in a hurry to see him rev the engine.
Kristin: Thanks for the compliment on the pace. I always question myself when writing a post with less focus, but less focused was precisely how I was feeling. I hope your day with your kids had as little focus as possible. : > )
Ross: As amazing as anything else in this world. My absolute pleasure.
Is Max absolutely thrilled that you talked about him, and in such glowing terms??
Max, you are AWESOME for sharing. Sharing is the best thing ever, especially when OTHER people share with YOU. Some adults haven’t even learned this yet, so you are WAY ahead of the game.
Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..Honoring Our Veterans
Is Max absolutely thrilled that you talked about him, and in such glowing terms??
Max, you are AWESOME for sharing. Sharing is the best thing ever, especially when OTHER people share with YOU. Some adults haven’t even learned this yet, so you are WAY ahead of the game.
Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..Honoring Our Veterans
The only problem, as a parent, of having something that is Just Yours is that it makes it all the more heartbreaking when a child ruins it. :(
But in the end, it’s all “things”.
GreenJellos last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
The only problem, as a parent, of having something that is Just Yours is that it makes it all the more heartbreaking when a child ruins it. :(
But in the end, it’s all “things”.
GreenJellos last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
No credit is the way to go. I am like Max. Even today I have to pick things up, weigh them in my hand, decide which ones deserve the merit of wanting.
Sals last blog post..How do you show affection?
No credit is the way to go. I am like Max. Even today I have to pick things up, weigh them in my hand, decide which ones deserve the merit of wanting.
Sals last blog post..How do you show affection?
Ah,
such a wonderful look into the window of a moment in your life. I am very excited for your family sean as you embark on this new adventure and the newfound privacy you are all beginning to experience together. I ran a home daycare in my house for a few years when My kids were small. I remember…
Enjoy these next couple of holidays. The Alone will be so special when you really come to realize there won’t be little hands knocking on the door the morning after.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Are you Planning for the Fog?
Ah,
such a wonderful look into the window of a moment in your life. I am very excited for your family sean as you embark on this new adventure and the newfound privacy you are all beginning to experience together. I ran a home daycare in my house for a few years when My kids were small. I remember…
Enjoy these next couple of holidays. The Alone will be so special when you really come to realize there won’t be little hands knocking on the door the morning after.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Are you Planning for the Fog?
“It is okay to have some things that belong to only you.” It’s not only okay. I believe it’s essential.
stephs last blog post..What I Know For Sure, No. 3
“It is okay to have some things that belong to only you.” It’s not only okay. I believe it’s essential.
stephs last blog post..What I Know For Sure, No. 3
Hayden: He doesn’t know yet, but he will be. Max is definitely WAY ahead of the game.
Green Jello: Well said, GJ. Stuff is only that.
Sal: If you really want it first, you appreciate it more. Me thinks.
Wendi: I’ve NEVER looked forward to the holidays more, and having no dollars does nothing to dim my excitement.
Steph: Said better than I, Steph. It is essential.
Hayden: He doesn’t know yet, but he will be. Max is definitely WAY ahead of the game.
Green Jello: Well said, GJ. Stuff is only that.
Sal: If you really want it first, you appreciate it more. Me thinks.
Wendi: I’ve NEVER looked forward to the holidays more, and having no dollars does nothing to dim my excitement.
Steph: Said better than I, Steph. It is essential.
As an only child growing up, I never had to share. It was a hard learned lesson, but a quick one to learn as well. Thank goodness for being friends with three brothers.
Now as an adult, I have my books. Some day I will build a library in my home, and I will do my part for others by donating generously to my local libraries. Until then, I take great pleasure in lending my books to friends, family, and co-workers to read. There’s just something special about sharing things that are special to you.
There are a select few that never leave the library, though. Those are mine. My time-worn copy of My Antonia is one. The cover that once protected the front fell off from wear and is now the bookmark when I make my repeat journeys through the paragraphs and pages.
I like your approach to purchasing toys, and I do love the fact that you allow the kids to visit the toy section with every visit. I think it probably instills a sense of fun while teaching the kids the value of those toys so that they respect and treat with care the ones they do have.
Ians last blog post..New ‘Up’ Trailer Released
As an only child growing up, I never had to share. It was a hard learned lesson, but a quick one to learn as well. Thank goodness for being friends with three brothers.
Now as an adult, I have my books. Some day I will build a library in my home, and I will do my part for others by donating generously to my local libraries. Until then, I take great pleasure in lending my books to friends, family, and co-workers to read. There’s just something special about sharing things that are special to you.
There are a select few that never leave the library, though. Those are mine. My time-worn copy of My Antonia is one. The cover that once protected the front fell off from wear and is now the bookmark when I make my repeat journeys through the paragraphs and pages.
I like your approach to purchasing toys, and I do love the fact that you allow the kids to visit the toy section with every visit. I think it probably instills a sense of fun while teaching the kids the value of those toys so that they respect and treat with care the ones they do have.
Ians last blog post..New ‘Up’ Trailer Released
I love the idea of having them ass stuff to a list (real or imaginary). It’s a great way to avoid impulse purchases.
I love the idea of having them ass stuff to a list (real or imaginary). It’s a great way to avoid impulse purchases.
Giving them the world is the best gift of all, Sean. I cave into my kids too often, and regret the materialistic attitude that spews from them later. Less is more.
P.S. Did you know they make a Thomas garbage truck?
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Ready, Set, Unexpected
Giving them the world is the best gift of all, Sean. I cave into my kids too often, and regret the materialistic attitude that spews from them later. Less is more.
P.S. Did you know they make a Thomas garbage truck?
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Ready, Set, Unexpected
BTW, LOL to Vered. I ASSume you meant ADD! :) I type like I have hooves, so I completely sympathize.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Ready, Set, Unexpected
BTW, LOL to Vered. I ASSume you meant ADD! :) I type like I have hooves, so I completely sympathize.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Ready, Set, Unexpected
Hi Sean: My little nephew loves trucks of all types and when I take him to the toy store to pick out a gift he spends loads of time carefully weighing his options before choosing hi favorite. I think the anticipation is always the best part, so it’s great the your kids get to write huge toy lists in their minds. And Max sounds like the best little guy :-)
Marelisas last blog post..Solve Everyday Problems Creatively
Hi Sean: My little nephew loves trucks of all types and when I take him to the toy store to pick out a gift he spends loads of time carefully weighing his options before choosing hi favorite. I think the anticipation is always the best part, so it’s great the your kids get to write huge toy lists in their minds. And Max sounds like the best little guy :-)
Marelisas last blog post..Solve Everyday Problems Creatively
Ian: I love lending books, music, and especially movies. I never care if I get the books back and the music are always burned CD’s. I want a ginormous library someday as well. We have one now in our attic, but it’s organized terribly. There’s no question that letting the children anticipate and want helps them to appreciate things more, and they do go back home and play with their existing stuff with a fervor. Stuff is just stuff, and respect can’t be bought.
Vered: Just so that we’re clear, I have never ever even one single time had my children ass anything to a list. I thought about it once, but simply did not have the heart. : > )
Jamie: We’re a LOT better about it with Max than we were with Mia. You are correct. It seems like it always comes back to bit you.
Marelisa: Anticipation, I believe, allows us to refine our desires. If we never want, than we’re never hungry. If we’re never hungry, than we will never work to our potential. Max is the BEST. No doubt. His smile can drop me to my knees.
Ian: I love lending books, music, and especially movies. I never care if I get the books back and the music are always burned CD’s. I want a ginormous library someday as well. We have one now in our attic, but it’s organized terribly. There’s no question that letting the children anticipate and want helps them to appreciate things more, and they do go back home and play with their existing stuff with a fervor. Stuff is just stuff, and respect can’t be bought.
Vered: Just so that we’re clear, I have never ever even one single time had my children ass anything to a list. I thought about it once, but simply did not have the heart. : > )
Jamie: We’re a LOT better about it with Max than we were with Mia. You are correct. It seems like it always comes back to bit you.
Marelisa: Anticipation, I believe, allows us to refine our desires. If we never want, than we’re never hungry. If we’re never hungry, than we will never work to our potential. Max is the BEST. No doubt. His smile can drop me to my knees.