Gifts for Children

Mary Ann 

I have worked with children for over 40 years, and during that time, they have taught me a few things that I would like to share.  I am also a mother and grandmother, and the family, too, have all taught me life lessons as well. So, I compiled a list of what I think are the most important gifts, the most valuable gifts, you can give children.  These are not American Dolls or video games or a new Smartphone. These gifts are from the heart and soul and will outlast any toy.  Originally, I wrote this for a school newsletter, and one of the parents who was a publisher of a city magazine also ran it in her magazine – a sweet gesture to me.  

1. The Gift of Love – We need to give our children unconditional love.  They need to know that there is a safe harbor from life’s storms.
2. The Gift of Time – We need to make time for each of our children each day.  The time you have children in your home will go very quickly, and it is the minutes of a day that you make the biggest difference.  Take time to read, time to talk, time to snuggle, and time to be with them.
3. The Gift of Acceptance – God gives each child treasures to bring into the world. Each child has different abilities.  We need to be happy with the treasure and not dwell on the things that may not be a strength.  Perfection is a hard burden for a child to carry. 
4. The Gift of Language – We need to be talking to our children and helping them to learn words. We need to give them lots of experience so they can talk about them.  We need to read to children, say nursery rhymes, and “play” with words.  This is not the job of the television.
5. The Gift of Example – We need to walk our talk.  If we expect our children to be honest, we must be honest in our own daily lives.  Your actions speak louder than your words.  Children are watching.
6. The Gift of Consequences – We need to let children learn that their choices have good and bad consequences.  We cannot create a perfect world for them. That is an injustice to children who live in an imperfect world.  They need to know how to cope with mistakes and disappointments.
7. The Gift of No – Children need to have boundaries and to know their limitations.  We can say “no” to a child, and he or she will still love us.  Children are not in charge of families.  
8. The Gift of Curiosity – Children naturally love to learn, and we need to keep them ever curious about the world. We need to develop lifelong learners so they will keep growing. Your interest in the world will plant those seeds.  

As parents and grandparents, we have the awesome responsibility to shepherd our children and grandchildren through life.  Hoping these gift ideas will help be a north star to what is truly important to our children.  

It has been a few years since I originally wrote this article.  I don’t think I would change anything that I proposed.  If anything, I think I would add something about kindness, especially in the times we are living.  Be Kind is just too important to be ignored today.  We need to talk about it and live it each day.  It fits with most of the other gifts.

Hoping this blog with help you and the families in your life in the coming school year.  Learning is more than reading, writing, and arithmetic.  It is also growing a loving and kind heart, and you can be the most influential teacher with these gifts to the children in your life.