My Thoughtful 8 Year Old
Dec 24, 2008 Parenting, Relationships, Thoughts and Perceptions
Tonight X, Charli and I went to finish the last of our Christmas shopping while D took a nap. X got his allowance from the past couple of weeks and we talked on the way there about who he needed to buy for and how much he could spend on each. He and I picked cool gifts out for Charli, and we came up with a really creative idea for the grandparents.
My kid is super creative.
We decided that we would make a goodie basket (tupperware container) with homemade rainbow chip (his idea) cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, and homemade roca. All made (or at least a huge contribution made) by X. Then we talked about getting inexpensive picture frames and him drawing them their own individual pictures to put inside.
A man playing a musical instrument for his G.P. (d’s dad) He is really into Jazz.
Forks and spoons for his Meemaw and Papa. (My parents.) They have antique wooden forks and spoons all over. Weird, I know.
He came up with both ideas himself. I just added in the detail.
If you werent aware, this little 8 year old has a natural talent for drawing.
So we found frames. $5 a piece.
He tells me that he needs to go and do something ’secret’. Being that we are in the middle of Fred Meyer the day before Christmas Eve, I was extremely pensive to let him wander. But, I take the plunge. I set his watch timer for 30 minutes and we agree to meet back in the same spot we were standing. We pinkie swear that he wont wander off and do other things (the toy section) that have nothing to do with what he was supposed to be doing (buying me a present).
I tried to focus on shopping. I really, really did. I was not successful. I was so worried about him getting snatched up by some molestor who prays Fred Meyer at Christmas time for parents who let their kids have a moment of freedom to do something thoughtful. So really I circled the shoe section where we agreed to meet. I swear I checked my phone for the time every 30 seconds. I was waiting for the intercom to call my name out because he got lost or freaked out.
Instead, my little man sauntered up with a goofy smile on his face. He had a bag behind his back.
“No peeking, Mom.” And a little giggle.
“Never. I wouldnt want to ruin my surprise.” I winked.
He is growing into such an amazing young man. This is the first holiday that he made all of the decisions. I gave him the money and let him use his own creativity to figure it out. Even if he bought me dryer sheets for Christmas, they would be the most awesome dryer sheets ever. Because whatever brought him to that decision was the important part. Not the gift, the thought behind it.
Really, that is what all gifts are supposed to be about. The thought.
What is the most thoughtful gift you have ever recieved? Given?
Do you remember that moment as a kid when you were given that independence?
Tags: christmas, dryer sheets, Fred Meyer, gift, its the thought that counts, money, shopping, thoughtful
