With Christmas right around the corner, many people already have their shopping done – what about you? If you’re like most Romance Rookies, Christmas means a last minute dash, the week (or day) before, to pick up gifts for your spouse. This type of activity just screams “I don’t care about you!” This year, start now and plan a day to get out and do some shopping for the one you love. The beauty of planning ahead means that you get to take time, do it right, find the right gift and – as the title says – teach a bit of responsibility as well. Responsibility you ask? Keep reading!
Kids are selfish. People are selfish. It’s in Human nature to be selfish. We all want the maximum value for the least amount of effort.
It’s hard to hear it – and even harder to accept that this speaks to each and every one of us. Many of you reading this will disagree with those statements – but frankly it is true. The difference is what each person learned when they were kids. Some parents taught their kids the power of proper gifting – and the reason for the gift. A gift is not a worthless spend of money, giving something of little value so they can tear off the wrapping. The real treasure of the gift is the thoughtfulness of thinking about the one item that someone will appreciate, use or not have bought themselves. This is where romance and responsibility weave their way into the story.
If you’re a parent, you know that life is one long string of teaching moments. Moments where you get to educate your children about the moral, ethical and compassionate way they should live their life when you aren’t around. Gifting is one of those moments, and is one of the best lessons that can be taught through demonstration.By taking your kids with you, involving them in the process and having them walk through the logic of choosing a gift carefully, you are helping them do the same later in life – perhaps for their spouse and your grandkids. Talk about a gift, laying the groundwork for your kids to be successful is one of the best gifts you can give! But how does this all relate to Romance, Russ? This is two fold.
1) Plan an outing where you take the kids, sans mom, out for the afternoon. Eat lunch at home, then embark on your trek to shop for Mom. Have each of the kids write down (in advance) where they want to go, and what they will be looking for. Help the kids think through the path and get guidance from mom on what she wants. Focus on daily use items for the little ones so they can see mom in action with their gift. Ideas can be:
- Perfume
- Bath salts
- Bath gel
- Special lotions
- Does she have a hobby? look for tools or supplies
- Personal Care items such as brush, comb, emery board
- Feeling adventurous, Pick up supplies to make homemade bath salts with the kids.
This afternoon trip gives mom a well deserved afternoon off, which she will definitely appreciate. I can tell you know that if you have kids, and your wife does most of the care giving, there is a reason she is always has a headache! With little hands touching you all day, it’s tough to “turn it off” and by evening, she just wants to be left alone – am I right? A bit of time away from the kids re-energizes her and helps her want to be “Touched” again!
2) By taking the kids on a shopping trip for her, she knows you’re thingking about her and taking the time to plan ahead. Honestly, you could come back with a rubber chicken and she would be thrilled (ok, probably not a rubber chicken, but you get the point). Remember what I’ve said throughout this series, it’s not just the gift – it’s the thought you put in and the delivery that makes the difference.
With this advice, book your trip now and then figure out how to tell her that you are still the same man she married – just a bit better!
[Image via CharlieBrewer]
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