Yesterday, I was reading a book on bringing up children.
2 things which stuck me . . . the author was telling about how children
cherish times spend with parents and how they value simple things to play with
rather than costly toys . . . One more thing I would add is they cherish
unusual food available locally as much as occasional treats from KFC or MacDonald’s . . .
rather more.
It has been very true with the trio in our home.
About a month back, I had gone to attend the funeral of one of our
staff’s mother. This was in a village quite remote. On the way back, we had
stopped at a village market. My driver forced one long stick of sugarcane in my
hand. The whole journey back, I was wondering of the different ways I could
finish off the 6 feet long sugarcane once I reached home.
Images of me and my better half chewing on the whole stick did not look much realistic.
However, one reaching home, things all changed. Shalom and Charis had
never seen a sugarcane in their life. With quite a bit difficulty I cut the
thing into small little pieces. The pieces were chewed with the same gusto as when
they gobbled chicken nuggets at the KFC outlet couple of months back.
Over the next week, sugarcane ‘nuggets’ were one of the preferred
choice of dessert after the end of a meal or a reward for homework done or
vegetables eaten.
The other aspect is that of toys. We’ve tried getting all the three
kids some good toys. Some of their uncles have also gifted them very good and
expensive toys. Of course, they cherish them.
But, when it comes to pure enjoyment . . . here is one snap.
I get the same feedback from quite a lot of my friends. Yesterday, one
of my colleagues was narrating how his son loves to play with empty cardboard
boxes more than anything else.
So, my friends, don’t worry about purchasing expensive toys and food
for your kids. Do try out the local stuff you find near your homes. They could
surprise them the same way as toys from Fischer Price or food from MacDonalds.
And last of all, the time we spend with them is the most valued. The
best reward our children cherish is an ‘elephant ride’ at the end of the day.
i love what you have to say about this. i totally agree.
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