My son told me emphatically that when he grows up he will play football for NFL, make millions, and buy a mansion.
He is the kind of kid that will definitely make his dreams come true and it does not matter to him that I am under 5 feet tall. I guess he remembers that I told him that I feel 10 feet tall.
He will be turning 12 soon. My best friend asked me one time what would be a great gift and I told her a story about my grandma giving me 3 crisp new $1.00 bills for my birthday and Christmas and how much I looked forward to it. She gave him $1.00 for each year and he loves it just as much if not more than the fancier gifts.
Many of his friends have huge celebrations at party places or large family parties that cost $300-$500 dollars for a couple of hours. We really enjoy these parties and always seem to be the last ones to leave after socializing with everyone.
Each year, I give him a simple gift and it is usually a football or a basketball. We enjoy these activities together so we create really fond memories so in a sense, it is the gift that keep on giving.
I am a minimalist and in my perfect world, I would not actually OWN anything. I feel more comfortable thinking of things to be rented or recycled.
Thoughts @senseicat
I hope he will buy a mansion and play football for NFL and also Barcelona :P . wishing him a good luck :)
That is interesting that you mentioned that. My son plays American football, so I am guessing you are thinking soccer. I bought him a Barcelona sweatshirt and he says many kids compliment him because very popular team.
even he could play for Barcelona if he become like CR7 or Messi :) they pay him to play for rich football clubs :)
I learn something new every day on Steemit!
yup what pranith said is so true . yup we learn everyday on steemit 24*7 :)
I too am a minimalist (sometimes due to laziness) but also because I want to cut down on junk and spend money on experiences, not only on things. I hear you about the birthday parties - for my son's recent party, we made care packages for the homeless community and instead of gifts, people contributed items to the care packages. The kids had lots of fun doing a trick-or-treat style event to fill the bags and then we had cake and played. I spent a little money on the cake and the packages, but it didn't add more stuff to my house and it helped other people have a slightly brighter day. I hope it will rub off on my son and not backfire on me though!
I absolutely love the care packages for the homeless community idea! That is super inventive and something that really means a lot to me and I may incorporate that too. You inspired me.
I was inspired by a friend - lets make it an epidemic of paying it forward!
My fondest memories of my own childhood were times fishing with my father or working in the kitchen or garden with my mother. We had some toys and things laying around that we played with but I don't really remember them. I agree with your method of parenting and spending time with your son instead of buying fancy toys or throwing expensive birthday parties. Great post and thanks for sharing! Ivy
Thank you for expressing our shared sentiments. I appreciate that.
@senseicat it is so true.These days it is all about material things.Very narcistic world we live in.I am trying to install the values you are showing to your children.My parents gave me beautiful moneybox.Throughout the year they would give me money to save.Once a year with the money we would have a family day out.I really have such fond memories and so glad they did that.I have now incorporated that in my childrens upbringing.Money will make you comfortable but doesn't mean you will be happy.Thanks for sharing your philosophy.👍🏼👍🏼
I'm not a minimalist, i'm like your son xD i want to be filthy rich, but i don't want the money for myself, i want to do like elon musk and build companies that help ppl. I can, however, be happy with the minimum stuff, but i can be even happier being rich...
didn't understand the party part, 500$ for the whole party? Food and drinks included?
You make me laugh and I appreciate your insightful comments. You will do great as a vet and also on STEEMIT with your level of energy and commitment. Yes, people spend up to $500 for a child's birthday party in our community, not me. I prefer to spend time with the person and forego the gift giving.
Always glad to make m'lady laugh, i haven't commented on your posts lately, college and steemit has been keeping me 100% busy
i never spend money on my own birthday party, i might organize a dinner with all you can drink buffet xD but that is more for my friends then it is for me, they still like to get drunk
Stay focused on your goals and leading a joyous life and forego the other stuff.
nice blog...happy family
¡OMG!, are you a whale?, 6,98$ your upvote wow, great post!
LOL! Not quite yet, but that is the intention.
nice writing...god bless ur family
upvt @restm done
Hello friend, the truth is nothing more beautiful than simple, material things are not necessary to spend incredible moments. Everything will depend on the value it has for us.
The best moments and memories in my life have always been free and significantly meaningful.
it's nice meeting your family. I wish them all success in their endeavours. And thanks for always making steemit a nice place for me. You are always loved
That is very sweet and thank you for your kind words.
Buen post amiguito,siempre cuentas con mi voto saludos