Hi everyone,
I had a moment with Leo (he’s 4) this week that’s really got me thinking, and it connects to some of the discussions I’ve seen here about allowances and teaching kids about ‘things’.
We were on one of our usual nature walks, and Leo found a beautiful, smooth, grey stone in a creek bed. For the rest of the afternoon, it was his greatest treasure. He held it, talked to it, and even gave it a name. The pure, simple joy he got from this ‘nothing’ object was so wonderful to see.
A day later, we were at the store for groceries, and he saw a brightly colored plastic figurine in the checkout aisle. The desire was so intense it led to a small meltdown when I said no. In that moment, the contrast was so stark. The quiet joy of his found stone versus the desperate ‘want’ for this mass-produced item.
It’s made me reflect on how we can nurture that innate appreciation for the simple, found treasures. The inspiration post about money made me realize that maybe before we even talk about what things *cost*, we need to explore what makes something truly *valuable*.
So my question for you all is this: Beyond the practicalities of allowances, how are you cultivating a deeper sense of value and gratitude with your little ones? What are the small rituals or conversations you have that help them appreciate the non-commercial wonders of their world, like Leo’s simple stone?
Curious to hear your stories and reflections.
Warmly,
Sarah
