Fleeting Gifts

During a recent visit to a toy store looking for the perfect gift for a child, the insight I received gave me a very rude awakening.
A child is born with all kinds of gifts tucked right in there with the cute little smile and the tiny toes and fingers. There is creativity, inspiration, imagination, and fun. It is all right there - just waiting to be encouraged, and allowed to grow and mature. What really happens when family and friends lavish gifts of the latest toy trends and gift ideas that toy manufacturers insist are the "in" thing? These precious and fleeting gifts are not nurtured and give the "food" they need to become the basis for future careers, jobs, and lifestyles. Instead, they allow the child to be a bystander and "watch the world go by" - but not become a "mover and shaker" of what is going on. In other words, the script, cast, and everything in between has been scheduled, programmed, and packed - all in one box.
Children are the future of each and every one of us - they will be the doctors, lawyers, judges, politicians, cooks, clerks, parents, citizens, etc. No one is so isolated that they will not be affected by the decisions and actions of these children when they become adults. You can run, but you can't hide from what the future will bring - and from those who will bring it about - today's children.
While a child may whine and cry for the very latest in what the ads show as the "craze" of the times, you are the purchaser, or the main ingredient in the child oy experience. Maybe making a total about-fact is not a reasonable choice for you and your child, but seek out a few alternatives. If you buy a "pre-programmed" action figure, vehicle, or play set, offset it with a few "standard" items. Lincoln logs can still fascinate, art sets (whether clay, paint, or pencil) can nudge that creativity, or games that allow the child to think, react, and plan. Books, craft kits and building blocks of all sizes, shapes, and forms, give hours of pleasure and allow the child to become the "programmer", not the "bystander."
With the Holidays coming on in a hurry, think about the "fleeting gifts" that will go away if they are not given a chance to sprout, grow, and blossom. Look for ways to allow your child to expand their imaginations and interact with their playthings - create backgrounds, situatins, and results.

While the world rushes by with all kinds of things money can buy for your child, don't rush them right out of their childhood. Allow them the fun, freedom, and fascination that breeds healthy, happy, and successful adults.

Those few precious years are just that-precious. They cannot be retrieved or erased - only encouraged, motivated, and celebrated. This holiday season, watch a child grow and become all he/she was intended to be and become a part of the future - a future for each and every one of us.
ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2003 October



Article Source: http://www.BharatBhasha.com
Article Url: http://www.bharatbhasha.com/family.php/18663

Other Articles related to "Fleeting Gifts" by Arleen M. Kaptur

•Fun with Money by Arleen M. KapturAh, a child's world - full of magic and fun. As parents, grandparents and other assorted relatives, a child's conception, understanding, and knowledge of money comes in many forms. There are birthday and holiday gifts, going shopping with grandma, and even helping a small child select a gift for mom and dad. While on the surface all this is just fine and good, have you ever stopped to think exactly what you are teaching this small person about finances and money - knowledge... •The Best Gifts by Arleen M. KapturMalls are everywhere - in every town, city, village and nook. They house thousands of storefronts and assorted units. The products they stock are numerous and the array is mind-boggling. There are items for the home, clothing, jewelry, plants, furniture, and gift assortments to pick and choose from. All these offerings lack one very special component - a personal touch. There is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing a ready-made item - we are not all carpenters,... •A GREAT TIME FOR A HOLIDAY by Arleen M. KapturHolidays are a blessing to some and others dread their arrival. Why do we have Holidays? Surely celebrating a big event like the Fourth of July or Christmas is definitely time to bring out the decorations and prepare meals fit for a king or queen. But does everyone feel the same - are there always smiles and anticipation? Holidays were created as a respite from our day to day workabout world. Even our founding fathers realized that pioneers and settlers needed that “time... •Simple Living by Arleen M. KapturWhen we say Simple Living we mean enjoying and relishing the pleasures and wonder of all that nature has to offer, whether you live in a rustic setting, in a bustling city, or high on a mountaintop overlooking the hills and valleys of a remote destination. Simple Living is the way you feel, not exactly where you live or the location you call home. When you decide to enjoy the wonders of a simple living lifestyle, you see the wonders of a garden, with its bountiful and... •A Decorating Hug by Arleen M. KapturQuilts are a decorating palette of color, texture, and comfort. They add so much to your home decor. Not only do people notice the wonderful patterns, but they have a very inviting feeling. You almost want to curl up with a good book, and place that cover across your legs, and be whisked away to far away places and great adventures. Quilts are not only to be used on beds, or chairs. They have come into their own as coverings for tables, trunks, and other areas that need a... •Fading Winter Winds by Arleen M. KapturIf you look on any calendar you will see that the month of February is fading fast and soon the March winds will blow. The seasons change as well they should. All of Nature will begin to wake up and start a new life. If we, as human beings, think a bit like Nature, then we are in for a big surprise. You don't have to be a Nature person to appreciate what change can do by letting your heart open up to the natural callings in your life is well worth the trip. With Spring... •Taking Care of Your Heart    by Arleen M. KapturOn Valentine's Day, we are proud to wear our hearts on our sleeves, on notebooks, gifts, and anywhere we want to add a touch of how we feel. Love is the word for the day and even children join in the fun with heart-shaped cards, candies with catchy phrases and boxes (heart-shaped, of course) that hold chocolates to give to mom, dad, grandparents, and everyone they love and care for. Valentine's Day is a wonderful opportunity to show our feelings, our hopes for the future,... •Matters of Hearts by Arleen M. KapturAs soon as February rolls around, everyone is thinking hearts. Hearts are the universal symbol for love, affection, and caring. There are heart-shaped candy boxes, cookies, flower arrangements, gift boxes, and charms. Children send Valentine's Day cards to classmates and friends, and adults show their feelings with notes, gifts, and special events. Mealtime can also be an opportunity to use hearts in our table decor. Heart-shaped ice cubes add just that touch of romance to... •Don t Say I m Sorry by Arleen M. KapturThe Holidays are a great time of year. People just seem friendlier and nostalgia permeates celebrations everywhere. It is also gift-giving time - an opportunity to show others how much you care and what they mean to you, as a family member or friend. The decision on what to give is all part of the festivities. You decide on a gift that you will make - whether you knit, quilt, paint, cook, bake, etc. You pull out your very favorite recipes or patterns and think about the... •THE POWER WITHIN    by Arleen M. KapturEveryone uses them, but not everyone knows how. We all take them for granted, yet many would give their very lives just to have them. These intangible offerings can work miracles, heal the wounded, and set hearts afire. They can also destroy, mutilate, and wreak havoc that no one can undue.What can have such power over people and situations, yet cannot be totally controlled or contained? WORDS - Words are at the disposable of anyone who wishes to use them. There are no...

Click here to see More Articles by Arleen M. Kaptur

Articles In LimeLight

How To Make Easy Money On Ebay By Ross DeCarlo Added on Friday, May 2, 2008 Investing In Commercial Real Estate By Kim Lee Added on Thursday, April 24, 2008 The Benefits Of Wicker Sunroom Furniture By Adam Peters Added on Sunday, May 4, 2008 How To Improve Sales Conversions On Your Website By Mario Churchill Added on Saturday, April 26, 2008 What Do You Have Guarding Your Identity? By Lisa Carey Added on Monday, April 28, 2008 It's All About Walleye Fishing And Catching That Trophy Fish By Kerry A. Francis Added on Monday, April 21, 2008 The Changing Face Of Self-certification Mortgages By Michael Sterios Added on Friday, May 2, 2008 Pet Nutrition And Health By Mikael Rieck Added on Friday, May 2, 2008 Recognizing Pet Poisoning Symptoms By Mikael Rieck Added on Friday, May 2, 2008 Putting The "Ad" Into Adwords By Peter Astley-Sparke Added on Monday, April 28, 2008 How To Find A Chanel Handbag And Save Money By Tori A Hewitt Added on Saturday, April 26, 2008 What Businesses Should Know About Training Metrics By Sam Miller Added on Friday, April 18, 2008 Cheap Holiday Vacations During The Winter By Michael Peterson Added on Monday, April 21, 2008 Few Advantages Of Second Mortgage By Kim Lee Added on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 Does Your Small Home Business Have A Blog? By K. Faram Added on Saturday, May 3, 2008 Network Marketing Lead Generation - Why It’s Important To Keep Your Pipeline Full? By Jason Paul Added on Saturday, May 3, 2008 Apply For Credit Cards: The Basic Necessities Unplugged By Devin Gilliland Added on Friday, April 25, 2008 New Approaches To Email Marketing Without Spamming By Deepak Dutta Added on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 Shopping Around For A Second Mortgage By Kim Lee Added on Friday, May 2, 2008 The Next Generation Of Dvd Players For Your Vehicle By Mark Robinson Added on Saturday, April 19, 2008