December 1, 2010 8:34 AM
Kids' Christmas gifts - how to choose
Every year readers ask for ideas for enduring, meaningful gifts for their kids at Christmas.
The first thing you need to know is that you don't have to spend a lot to impress a child. The key is understanding the things that bring children joy and that help release their God-given potential. Some of us grew up with parents that understood this. Some did not. Some of us grew up in a home environment rich with resources to stimulate our imagination and creativity. Some did not.
The greatest gift I got from my Montessori training was learning to think outside the box of my own cultural limitations, Maria Montessori spoke of how important it is to "give the child the world" - to expose children to many different experiences so that they are free to explore those that resonate with the individual gifts God has planted in each of them.
Had it not been for this part of my education 40 years ago, I really don't know if my children would be where they are now. For example, it was because of this desire to push my own boundaries that I began to listen to classical music - now documented to have a relationship to developing intelligence in children. Today I have several children who are accomplished singers - because they had a gift, but also because they had early exposure and encouragement.
"Where one or two are gathered, there Mom will give a sermon." :)
Sorry if it seems I'm preaching - I just feel passionate about this. I took my Montessori training in part as a reaction to my own culturally/emotionally/spiritually impoverished background. I wanted to learn how I could do my best to create something better for children. And now my focus is on equipping you.
I truly believe that when we understand our children's needs and provide for them, we will raise children who embrace learning, love our cultural heritage, are independent thinkers, and are passionate about God. Christmas - when we're patterned to spend money for our children - is a great time to ask ourselves some important questions which will help us make wiser decisions.
The forces of consumerism can be very distracting. But whether toys are actually beneficial to children in the long-run - or whether they have what it takes to hold their interest - is difficult for many parents to determine.
When I recommend products at MommyLife, you can be sure that I'm recommending them through the filter of all I've learned as a Montessori teacher and mother of 12. The bottom line for me is steering parents away from expensive items based on passive entertainment and towards classic items that release children's imagination and unlock their own creativity.
More than ever, I am concerned with wise stewardship. Against the background then of the Christmas hype about whatever the hot toys are this year, I just want to suggest more thoughtful, long-term investments - toys you will see passed down through large families and even to the grandchildren eventually.
There are a lot of choices under Barbara's Picks which link to Amazon. For many items, I've also provided explanations of why and how these can benefit your child. Just reading these can provide background so that when you are at a garage sale or second-hand store you will choose wisely.
And as I present suggestions - as in the Music appreciation round-up to follow - keep in mind that while of course I am grateful for the support of this site through your Amazon purchases, I am sticking with my mission statement: to unburden, empower and equip parents - in this case to free you from the commercial forces targeting your gift dollars, to help you think outside the box of your own upbringing, and to help you provide for your children's developmental needs in a way that will release their creative potential and the joy in your home.
I have ordered extensively from Amazon for the past twelve years - not just books and music, but groceries, cleaning supplies, clothing and educational materials. They save me state taxes, gas, and impulse spending - not to mention hours of my time. They deliver FAST - and with a few exceptions FREE if you order over 25. (click SuperSaver shipping when checking out).
If you are still thinking of buying presents for your kids - or maybe even thinking about returning stuff you've bought because there are better choices - it's not too late. You can also pass this on to grandparents who are asking for ideas.
Here are some previous posts which will give you some guidelines and specific ideas:
Keep in mind that these are all based not on entertaining the child, but on releasing his potential to entertain himself:
Children's gifts: Music appreciation
Kid's table and chairs - Montessori, kid-friendly environment
Gift idea: architectural blocks for kids
Montessori at home: best coloring supplies
Get your children gifts that will last - books for Christmas!
Teaching children compassion: book ideas
Classic Books for Boys (not linked)
Children's puzzles (not linked - but information on how to select and use preschool puzzles for greatest impact)
Pincer grasp - (not specific products, but will help you choose wisely)
Don't forget to check Barbara's Picks in the left sidebar.
Posted in Christmas, Montessori, Mothering | Permalink
Comments
Barbara, I appreciate your thoughts on this, as I am really starting to think through my toy purchases now more than ever. I have a question, though: what do you do when your kids buy ( for themselves and eachother)nothing but battery operated toys? My boys love all the remote control stuff, and the batteries that they take are driving me crazy! With the exception of our geotrax train stuff, I am trying to eliminate toys that need batteries... but the kids keep buying it with their own money!
Posted by: Lisa | December 3, 2010 4:55 PM
