Appreciating what they have

Usually I tell you what toys that I've bought for my children and how they liked them, but today I'm just going to talk about the importance of having your children appreciate what you have already given them.

Do you tend to go overboard on christmas? On their birthday? While these are special events, the true meaning of why we celebrate them can get lost quite easily under the mountain of presents. Remember, the child's expectations of how many gifts they will receive is based on how many they've gotten before. So if one year you splurged and got them everything they ever wanted, they will expect that again the next year and then if they don't get what they "expect" they are dissapointed.

We keep it very modest in our home. Most of the toys that we buy for our children we do on special occasions only. If I think they need a new toy during the year, I make sure they aren't with me when I buy it, thus removing the need for the children to associate store shopping with "getting" and thus avoiding having the child screaming "but I want it!" I think you know what children I'm talking about!

I can tell you it works because this is how I've been with my kids since they were born. They have NEVER begged me for things while I am out shopping because they don't know to do that.

At christmas time, we keep the focus on God and it's his birthday we are celebrating. The kids get one present from each member of the family. (except the grandma that goes overboard of course, and there's not much you can do about that)

At Birthday time, it's the same concept. Not big, lavish parties. We have a small party at home with cake and about 2 gifts from the family and my kids think it's the best birthday ever!

You may think we're mean, but we do love our kids. We love them enough to show them the true meaning of things, of life, and that it's not all about what toys they get. It's about love and appreciation for what we have.