I never give much thoughts to Christmas presents for the boy. His dad on the other hand is always planning ahead. But this year, he really has to put in more work on that front, considering how his son has been thinking of him lately. Or more precisely, what his son just said of him last night.
“I don’t want daddy to play with me. I only want mummy. Daddy go out. I like daddy just because of the presents.”
I was appalled by what my five-year-old said. Just because of the presents. And I didn’t have to repeat to the man because he heard it loud and clear with his own ears.
This is what you get when you subscribe to materialism and use presents to buy favors from a child, even if it’s an occasional “if you’re naughty, daddy won’t buy you presents.” And once that connection is made, it’s kind of hard to cut it off unless you want to risk a total rejection.
Er…no present, no talk.
Reading your post on a sunday while hanging out with the crayolas at home. They are growing up so fast and understanding things…and even more than gifts, we need to give us ourselves and our time.
Good post for this time of manic gift giving!
carrie: Yes, that’s true…but the kids have become institutionalized to expect tangible gifts more than anything during this time as well…
Comment by carrie — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 @ 11:49 am
Oh oh..!! i better watch out too..! i liked to say stuff like that.
MB: Most of us are guilty of this one time or another…
Comment by Mama BoK — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 @ 1:22 pm
Ahhh thats not good…for the kid to think that way of the dad…hmmm
Kay: Yeah, you can imagine how sad the dad is…
Comment by Kay — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 @ 3:05 pm
awwwwwwww. it sounded like me when i was a kid! i liked my daddy because he gave me presents! later, i liked him better because he gave me freedom and the space to express my individuality.
your little kid does love you very much then! he does associate you with everything good,bad,fun and all.
merry christmas and have a great 2008!
imp: Your dad sounds wonderful!
Comment by imp — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 @ 5:40 pm
[...] son asked me, where is Santa? I told him the man is hibernating, but he’s got his present [...]
Pingback by Christmas embroidery » Casserole of my life — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 @ 9:06 pm
I’m all for not using material goods to woo or entertain the kids. Playtime and activities are better way to foster good relationship.
Ange: I can’t agree more. I hardly buy him toys myself.
Comment by Ange — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 @ 8:49 am
Oh-o.. that’s not nice at all..
But did your man still get the boy something nice?
ZM: Yes, he had to…otherwise, the boy will probably complain…
Comment by zara's mama — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 @ 11:53 pm