A few days ago I wrote about getting my daughter a gift she wouldn't be able to unwrap or hold in her hand for her birthday. Since today is her birthday I thought I would revisit that topic. I couldn't really go in depth into the issue since I didn't want my daughter to see what she was getting for her birthday besides the window tinting on her car. Anyway, her issue with the tinting as a present was that it didn't feel like a birthday gift. She was having trouble verbalizing that to me because, well, I have raised a young lady who is thoughtful and cares about others' feelings. She knew it was a bit selfish. I understand though, it is hard once you go from the birthdays of fun and toys, to the birthdays of practicality. So her issue caused a parenting issue for me. When she was trying to tell me how she felt (I was actually dragging it out of her), I wanted to say, "oh don't worry, you will have other gifts to unwrap." That is the delimma, isn't it? I have tried to raise my kids so they are appreciative and respectful. Who could forget the year that Will opened a present and said, "I already have one of these." Those are such proud moments for us parents! UGH! Anyway, I was faced with wanting her to make a decision based on the information she was given, not on any extra tidbits of information from Mom. And whatever she decided she wanted was going to be fine to us. Well she chose the practical gift and loved it. And when the birthday got here this morning, she had gifts to open anyway. Small stuff from us and a letterman jacket from my parents. So, all was right in the world of a 17 year old girl.
This is being posted this morning (9-14) because I got interrupted yesterday and forgot to push "post."
No comments:
Post a Comment