Although we have no grandchildren, my husband and I are old enough to be grandparents, and to know how important it is to choose good gifts for grandchildren. Gifts received from Grandfather and Grandmother often hold a special place in a child’s heart. They bring two generations together, and convey a message from the older to the younger. The content of that message depends on what the grandparents perceive as most important.
Some think the most important thing is to appear trendy – give “must-have” toys or clothing. Some think they’ll show love best by the amount of money spent on gifts. Still others give to receive – appreciation and validation.
But what’s the best gift a grandparent can give? Among those very best gifts, we believe, is a gift that shares the moral values of that grandparent’s youth. Those moral values used to be much more common, affording safer, happier, healthier life. They saved money and made life simpler in many respects. They were a precious gift we received, and which we can pass on to grandchildren.
Look over a good list of character traits and see the wealth of gifts available. Few things are as important to your grandchildren as love, peace, joy, hope, integrity, honesty, discernment, responsibility, respect, compassion, and the like. Think how much better their lives will be, now and in adulthood, if someone gives them these gifts. If you help them build and exercise responsibility, they’ll become financially responsible – and avoid money problems. They’ll become sexually responsible – and avoid sexual disease, teenage pregnancy, and other heartaches. If they become responsible at work (homework now), they’ll achieve greater career success. If they become responsible for others, they’ll be better parents to your great grandchildren.
How do you give them such gifts? You give books that weave character subtly into fiction, and let your grandchildren learn as they identify with the book’s characters.
Give teenagers Date with Responsibility, a full-length, best-selling teen romance novel that will open their eyes to the demands for responsibility in adult life. They’ll devour this book, which is based on a true story, and never think you’re trying to give responsibility. They’ll learn, and think twice before they follow in the footsteps of Valeta and Edwin. Most teens say they can’t put down this book. They finish it in a few days, and begin to recommend it to others.
If your grandchildren aren’t yet teens, you can give the gift of responsibility by wrapping up a copy of Lost on Superstition Mountain. The escapades of Charlie and Hailey, thirteen-year old twins, can be breathtaking at times, and the gift of responsibility is woven right into those escapades.
Or give 3-to-8-year olds Cubby Bear’s Big Responsibility. Every child loves roly-poly bears, and this little cub will keep them entertained while showing them clearly that everyone has responsibility, and that responsibility is very important.
Give the gift of character to grandchildren, and that gift comes back to you in improved behavior and love. The character you build in their lives with such a gift will greatly affect and enrich their relationship with you. You can give few gifts so great.
That’s the view from my chair. What’s your view?