When things aren't just things

I think the hardest lessons to teach our kids are the ones we haven't quite learned ourselves...  

Please traipse over to my blog at the Orange County Register to read the rest of the story: "Mommy's Mind is Not a Toy."

I'm still on my break for two more days, but still had to work a little...

Comments

[Big Hair Envy]

You hit the nail on the head my dear.....SOME things aren't "Just" things:) The rest? Trash 'em!!!

I have a collection of little notes that my daughter scribbled and left for me (and the Tooth Fairy, and Santa) when she was very young. Each one is illustrated in some fashion or another. They are priceless, and I would NEVER consider tossing them out:)

[Suz]

I agree...this is a toughie. I wish I still had some of my favorites from my childhood.

[Mental P Mama]

Truer words were never spoken....

[fancy feet]

I think we are often up at the same time. I couldn't sleep and wandered on over here. Hi! You're back!

Great story! I laughed at the bit about the McDonald's toys. I am forever throwing those things out. Some things are worth throwing out and giving away. I completely agree - sometimes it is all too much and I can't stand clutter either along with all the anxiety it brings. I don't function well in it and wholeheartedly believe my kids can't either. (I don't know if that's true or not, but for now I'm going with it) But, there are some things like the stuffed animals I couldn't bear to part with either. I would have done the same thing. Oh, and I love, love the stuffys' names!

[Dawn]

Great article! I don't have kids (just yet) but I completely understand. I'm in my 30's and my mother still has a bear of mine from when I was a kid. It's a large polar bear that had a zipper in the back. A place to hide my pj's...it was awesome. I have so many memories attached to that thing and its great to still hold onto it.

Maybe you can install a shelf above her bed so that all her stuff animals can have a place in her room without creating clutter.

[Serendipitous Girl]

I hope you have a wonderful New Years! I love popping by here each day--your kids are lucky to have you for a mom!

[Napaboaniya APAD]

Suz!
Wishing you a great 2009 filled with lots of love,joy and peace :)

[Jason]

Great article, and so true. I love that you write for the Orange County Register. It makes me feel like I'm friends with someone famous.

[Nat]

All of it, so true.
Happy New Year!

[Catherine]

You get a beautiful soul, Suz. Of course, our children get too many stuffs and they're not aware of it. They, maybe, don't get the principle of "Giving", NOW. But, I think it's a a process that bears fruits later. As you give them a good example in their life, older, they'll think about others as well. That's an education. A long education to become a worth person. May they won't become as generous as you are but at least they'll become more generous than people who haven't had your example.
It's hard to give sometimes, because we're attached to things. But that's what gives value to our gift. Giving without feeling a loss, is not really giving. What a wonderful comfortw that we've done the right thing.

[BelgradeDailyPhoto]

I hope you enjoyed your break! Happy New Year to you and yours! :) -Allie

[chrome3d]

I stopped caring after 10 or so. Why feel quilty anymore? Happy New year!