Putting Some Thought Into Your Children's Birthday Gifts
By Tina Wong, Fri Dec 9th

From very early in my childhood, as soon as I learned to, Iloved to write. Stories, thoughts, letters - writing was a greatjoy for me. On my ninth I received a gift that I willalways remember. A friend of my mother's, whom I'd known frombirth, gave me a rather large book. The book was bound in darkleather with a red trim, and had no writing on the outside. WhenI opened it, there was nothing inside but blank lined pages. Iabsolutely adored that gift, and even at that young age Irealized how much thought this woman put into it. She gave mesomething that was uniquely special to me. I still have thatbook; filled with everything from fictional stories to therambling thoughts of a girl as she struggled to reach adulthood.And each time I look through this book, I remember how specialthis woman made me feel that day. She told me, without words,that my writing was important.

As parents we know that the closer our children's

birthdays get,the more hints and outright pleas we hear for this gift or thatgift; usually things that are popular with everyone else theirage. This is normal - and it's also normal for you to buy themat least some of the things that they are asking for when theirbirthday comes around. It is important, however, that we don'tsell our children short when it comes to what they truly want.Young children rarely ever march up to us and state that theywould like to be recognized for their uniqueness, and we usuallyonly hear this from our teenagers when they are angry at thelimits we are imposing on them. But it is innate in all humans,no matter what age, to want to be acknowledged for our specialqualities, talents, and interests. Realizing this about yourchildren can help you find them one or two gifts, along with thelatest popular things, that show them that you know who they areand what makes them special.

The child who shows a special interest in nature will love beingpresented with a book on identifying different types of localplants and animals. Not only did you choose a gift that yourchild will really use and enjoy, you've also just told him thatyou care about what he is interested in. That matters to yourchild, whether he expresses this to you or not.

Giving your children gifts that say "I appreciate who you are"will not only help build a stronger bond between you, but willalso teach them to respect themselves and their uniqueness. Itmay not happen right away, but one day your adult children mayjust surprise you by saying, "I remember, and thank you".

About the author:Tina W. writes for - Christams Gifts for men &Gift Ideas for Women, Activity Days