Perhaps the best gift we can give our children is the love and attention that they deserve, and with Y2K looming, preparing the best we can with them in mind. That said, with Santa coming in only a little while, what gifts will Santa, who gets it, bring to our children who are expecting him this year (since they've been good)?

Some ideas may be jigsaw puzzles, books, a good old-fashioned encylopedia set, a globe, clothing for next winter, board games, possibly some camping equipment, and homeschooling materials.

What do you think Santa will be bringing your children?

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), December 09, 1998

Answers

As you may know the "Uncle" and I have no children (except the furry kind) but we do have several nieces and nephews who will all be receiving board games, puzzles, art paper and markers. You know the kind of things we used to get for Christmas when we were younger. We purchased no computer or television related gifts. It won't hurt them to use their creative minds anyway, something they will benefit from in the coming years.

-- Mrs. Deedah (oncebitten@twiceshy.com), December 09, 1998.

Mrs. Deedah: Yes, I remember Uncle talking about pets. As far the kiddies go, anything that is compliant and creative would hopefully be high on Santa's list.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), December 10, 1998.

We're getting my 4 year old son a real but scaled-down wheelbarrow and some other appropriately sized garden tools. He loves to help me outside and I'm happy to encourage that, especially now.

-- Franklin Journier (ready4y2k@yahoo.com), December 10, 1998.

Franklin: Great idea... never would have thunk it!

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), December 10, 1998.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa are having the elves work overtime this weekend.

So, any other ideas?

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), December 11, 1998.

Also ...
don't forget...
 
To tell your kids how much you love them
To give your kids lots of hugs
To be extra patient with your kids and other family members, especially in these tumultuous times
To learn to listen to your kids .. (and your spouse/partner)
To be slow to anger .. and quick to forgive
To remember you too were once young .. and remember how it was for you
To teach your kids the best values of life
To equip your kids for living in the real world
To remember that how you treat kids today will determine much of their future character
To respect your kids .. their curiousity .. and their openness
To let your kids be kids .. they are only kids for a little while
To read to your kids and spend as much quality time with them as you can
To have individual quiet time each evening with each child .. as little as 10 minutes at bedtime forms a lifelong bond. Let them talk .. while you just listen.
To share affection openly with your kids .. and all family members To remember that kids have feelings too
To tell kids it's ok to share feelings .. it's ok to be a kid; it's ok to laugh when they're happy.. and to cry when they hurt
To tell them how much you love them .. and show it often.(bears repeating)
... and so much more ...
 
 
Almost three years ago, my wife of 21 years joined a cult and disappeared with our children .. our son (then 13) and our daughter (then 5). Yes .. law enforcement is searching .. but they are overloaded with more "serious" cases. It will be three years ago this coming March.
 
As is all too often said .. we don't appreciate what we have until it's gone. Our children are a most precious gift to us ...
 
To all who have children with whom to share this Chrismas .. please remember the most important thing of all .. unconditional love is the most precious gift you can give in return.
 
 
Dan

-- Dan (DanTCC@Yahoo.com), December 11, 1998.

Dan, that is really sad about your wife & children. I've heard that private detectives can find people using the Internet sometimes, quickly. Hopefully, there will be something worthwhile your children learn in their new "community," even if it is only how to later recognize peer pressure, and when they are older, they will come back to you. Please update us if anything new happens. You sound like a special father.

xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxx

-- Leska (allaha@earthlink.net), December 11, 1998.

Dan. Thanks for your post - It was very moving to me and I'm sure many in the forum. I'll second what Leska posted also. God Bless.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), December 12, 1998.