Kids don’t typically care about fancy stuff. As long as they’re entertained, they’re happy.
You know how it is….you spend a lot of money on a fancy toy, thinking the kids will be totally stoked and over-joyed…..and they may be excited for a moment…..until you come into the room and see them playing with a toilet paper roll, or a rock, or a box. Meanwhile, that shiny, expensive toy is in the corner collecting dust. Pretty funny.
A few weeks ago, I sent my wife away to the beach and the boys and I had a guy’s weekend. We had a lot of fun eating junk food, watching baseball, bowling, farting, burping, etc.
Although we did a lot of fun things, sitting in the back of my truck, at the airport, eating burgers and watching airplanes was my favorite. I think the boys enjoyed it too. It was simple-fun, you know, memory stuff.
It seems like, at least with my boys, the experiences that cause life to slow down a little are what matter the most to them….the times where conversation is shared and time has no hold.
Don’t get me wrong, they love video games and new toys and shiny cool stuff. Usually though, after a while, most of it ends up in the closet.
Finding that balance between shiny stuff and good ‘ol fashioned interaction is tough, especially in this day and age. Kids are adaptable though and over time, they’ll follow our lead if we’re consistent and deliberate.
As a dad, I’m more interested in creating memories vs. stockpiling toys. Hopefully my boys will find more value in relationships vs. stuff someday…..I think they’re on the right track. For now, they’re just kids, figuring stuff out and I’m ok with that.
A great reward for me would be 20 years down the road….while drinking coffee or something, my boys start bringing up memories from their childhood. The simple, good memories of laughs shared, experiences had and freedom felt. I hope to experience this kind of reminiscing someday….God willing.
God Bless,
Paul
Meat n' Potatoes 