3 Lessons for Kids on Mother's Day
This year my family is starting a new Mother's Day tradition. I've asked my husband to take my older daughter shopping and to help her select a gift for me. No, it's not that I crave a new shiny object. It's just that I think the exercise will teach my five-year-old a few important lessons. Here's what I hope she'll learn:
1. This Day Isn't About You
My husband and I often go out of our way to make sure our kids are happy. On the weekends, we spend endless hours taking our children to gymnastics classes, birthday parties, spring fairs and playgrounds. I think it's important that we teach our youngsters that there are times when the world doesn't revolve around them. Mother's Day seems like a good place to start.
2. There's Joy in Giving
Kids figure out from a very early age that it feels good to receive presents. But this Mother's Day, I want my older daughter to learn that there is also joy in giving others a gift. And often, the more thought that goes into the selection of the item, the more happiness the giver receives.
3. It's Important To Say Thank You
As a mom, I don't expect my family to thank me for everything I do. (But it sure would be nice!) Must of the time, a hug is all I really need to know that my children appreciate me. Yet, learning to feel gratitude and to say thank you is an important life lesson that kids need to be taught. Since youngsters tend to master skills -- even the soft ones -- by actually doing something, I think a trip to the store may help to cement the lesson.
I'm also hoping that how I respond to my daughter's gift will eventually teach her another important lesson: to be grateful for the gifts she receives. I think it's pretty safe to assume that whatever my sweetie picks out isn't something I'd probably buy myself. Yet, I feel confident that I'll cherish -- and thank her for -- whatever I find in my gift bag since I'll know it came from the heart and that she chose it just for me.
By the way, don't worry Dad, I plan on reinforcing these lessons on Father's Day.
When do you think children should start buying their moms Mother's Day gifts?
Stacey Bradford is the author of The Wall Street Journal Financial Guidebook for New Parents.
Bouquet image courtesy of Flickr, CC 2.0.
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