WHAT CAN I GIVE MY CHILD THAT WILL LAST?

Dr. Wendy Ghiora - December 26, 2010

That Barbie or Xbox are temporary, but what gifts last forever? I believe they are the gifts and lessons our children not only learn, but actually apply to their lives. Lessons learned can hopefully become guideposts of their lives.

There are so many important ideas and lessons we want our children to have. I came up with ten I thought would be helpful to most children. I’m sure I left some out. So please let me know some of your thoughts on this.

Ten Important Ideas to Share with Your Kids:
1.Treat others the way you wish to be treated. (no explanation necessary)

2.Find something outside of yourself that will give your life meaning so that, when your life is over, the world is a little better place because you were here.

3..Never compare yourself with anyone who seems to have it better than you. Remember there’s always someone worse off than you are. If you must compare, compare how you are a better person today, than you were last month.

4.Every child should learn to believe in himself; know he is important and he is loved.

5.Find ways to help others without expecting anything in return. Random acts of kindness should be innate to you.

6.Self control- Learn to control yourself – your emotions, attitudes and behaviors in the face of adversity and you will be a very powerful person .

7.Do what is right, not because of a rule or out of fear of being punished, do what is right simply because you know it is the right thing to do. What you say and do matters, even if no one is watching. Most of the happiness you have, you create yourself by making choices that reflect the real you – even if no one is looking.

8.Life isn’t fair, so don’t expect it to be. When you have something really tough to live through, look for the lessons in every experience – and apply them in the future.

9.Teach your kids to set goals (Have a vision) –At least once a year, (New Years is a great time), sit down with your kids and have them each set a goal for the year.

10.Teach kids the love of books and learning.
If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it from him. Benjamin Franklin

Wishing all of you the happiest of holidays!