Why is complaining so much easier than complimenting?
Christmas lists sparked this second quote. My kids get what they want and need throughout the year. Then they get spoiled more on their birthdays & at Christmas. We have a hard time making lists of what people can get them because they HAVE everything!
I think kids have heightened expectations of what might be under the tree. What fabulous gift will I be surprised with? And when they open the gifts, they are happy, but many times disappointed. That wasn't on my list, why didn't I get that other thing? I like his better. Wah wah wah.
I really need to take my kids to see where our donations go. They need to see exactly how fortunate they are. They need a good kick in the pants of appreciation.
One of my favorite gifts is homemade coupons. All I want for Christmas from my kids is a book of "No complaining" coupons. (PS - Dear Santa, put an agent in my stocking?) Ah, well.
And so, I leave you with a couple of bonus quotes.
Slather on the compliments and sprinkle sparingly complaints.
See the complaint department - through the exit door.
And don't forget, coming up this Wednesday (12/7) is the Insecure Writer's Support Group sponsored by our distinguished host, Alex.
And I wanted to thank Nicki again for guest posting yesterday - I also met some new folks and appreciate all the comments and will be getting around to visit today. Thanks!
17 comments:
You and your kids should do some volunteer Christmas work - maybe then they will understand. Then again, they are kids - you just hope they understand when they are adults.
Thanks for mentioning the IWSG!
I totally agree.
I also want those coupons. Plus I want the 'no talking back', 'no swearing', and 'no fighting with my siblings' coupons, too. Then it would be the best Christmas ever, as long as the kids really do honor them.
I read the other day that on average a child will have £500 spent on it by it's parents alone for Christmas presents. This is insane.
I went to the birthday party for a great-niece and the number of presents this child received was obscene! There were stacks of clothing and repeats of toys. (She's the first grandchild on his side and the first grand-child on her side). What do you get a child like this for Christmas? There's nothing left! And unfortunately, her mother is not the kind to donate the excess to charity.
I applaud you for looking for ways to show your kids the real meaning of Christmas!
All sorts of greatness going on here today. And your story about the kids and Christmas is ringing so true for me this year! My kids are all going to get some cool stuff that they want, but I worry that if the floor of the tree isn't overflowing with gifts they will be disappointed... "Why isn't their more?!" Agh - it's aggravating. I don't want them to be like that. It causes stress.
The no complaining coupons are a fabulous idea!!! It is hard to know what to get children for Christmas, I'm lucky right now because my two are still little.
Homemade coupons "no complaining" is a great idea! Ha! I wonder if it would work on my three year old?
I think all kids have the complaining disease--mine have it for sure. I want NO FIGHTING coupons in my sock :)
What a wonderful sentiment, " a good kick in the pants of appreciation" I love it!!!!!!!!
mom
I think that the spirit of Christmas gets put to the wayside with the commercialization aspect of it. Inevitably, ppl lose sight of the reason for the season and it becomes a time of year responsible for the acquisition of loot, a.k.a. greed.
And for the record, the stores are perfectly happy with this.
Best Christmas we had as kids was the one where mum and dad only bought us one (simple) present each and everything else was home-made. We all knew in advance it was going to be like that, so got busy making cool stuff!
Thanks for the SantaFest Shoutout!
Lx
Christmas is the worst! Not really - but I know, it's hard buying presents for kids who already have more than enough...
I wonder if it's possible to put those "No Complaint" coupons on ebay? They'd probably go for a pretty penny.
Where can I buy those coupon books? Hello, they could save my Christmas!
True story: My 13 year old son stomped out of the room crying not long ago because I refused to get him an iPhone-type cell phone.
"You're so deprived" I only half teased cuz I was mad.
"Yes, I am," he wailed on his way to his room (and slammed the door too).
He has a plasma 26" TV with cable in his room.
He has his own computer in his room - complete with internet.
He has X-box, and Live has not been disconnected in over 2 years.
I buy him a new $60 game at least every other month.
I refuse to buy him an internet capable cell phone. All his friends with iPhones and nothing else - and rarely get to use them because they are "grounded" - assure him he is deprived.
........dhole
yeah! we're all sailing thru it together!
one year one of my sons made a coupon book at school for his little brother. aww =)
thanks for your empathetic stories!
I have to remind the BOY all the time that the holiday is not just about presents. We make him volunteer too.
HMG
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