Teach Your Children Through Gifts that Endure

If it hasn't been very long since you were a child, you can probably remember better than some of us what you really, really wanted when you were to receive a gift. In my day, it was dolls that performed bodily functions or non-technical toys such as roller skates or clothes.

When changing times and the availability of a vast assortment of toys for children, it can often be a challenge to find a gift that is not of temporary value or with little ability to sustain time and stress.

It occurs to me that young children should be given more durable and potentially meaningful gifts, above and beyond the disposable ones. I offer a few suggestions - things that I should have given to my own kids that may be illuminating to others.

The first is a photo album that will last. Spend the time with young children to add photos on a regular basis. This will be an extremely valuable possession as they get older, especially after you're no longer there.

Secondly, buy a good quality globe. Although globes don't usually change as often as country names might, it's a terrific tool, present and future. If you like, you can add stick pins to designate places experienced or locations you hope to visit.

Invest in something I would call a "birthday diary." Use this as you might a baby book, but include remarks associated with each birthday. If there was a party, list the guests and presents. If you went on a special journey that day, include souvenirs and any anecdotal information that applies.

Give your child the benefit of information concerning your life. Because none of us is certain as to where we'll be when they are adults, they are entitled to access of as much of your life as you can record. Keep your own diary, photos, mementos, etc. Be certain that one of your family members or friends knows where it can be found. It should include photos of your past, personal items of value to you and any other additions that should be part of their legacy.

Buy your children, even the young ones, a dictionary. This is the greatest learning tool of all. I made it a practice to use advanced language with my kids from the time that they were born (baby talk is so very worthless) and they both have excellent vocabulary skills. When you use a word, ask if the child if he or she knows what it means. If not, use the dictionary often, for clarification.

Finally, invest in a life insurance policy or college fund plan. Be as faithful to it as possible, remembering that this is an advantage for which there is no substitute. Whether your child uses it for college or otherwise, it will make a huge difference and provide a very clear and lasting symbol of your wisdom and love as a parent.

I am not suggesting that you ignore your child's wishes, however frivolous you may believe them to be. We all need to have time for amusement, recreation, fantasy and creativity. When all of the toys are broken or discarded and all of the coloring books are filled, feel the sense of content associated with knowing that your children will also have possessions of enduring value.