Foxy-Gran : ),

It's got a lot to do with being part of a fortunate society.

Parents are often gratifying themselves just as much as they think they are the child.

I'm more concerned about the types of toys presented for young children these days....something like a bowl or a box is far more versatile and developmentally sound that a "toy" made to do a limited number of actions - and then cast aside when the thrill is over.

(We're bloody moving house...so packing...been here ten years, so I'm out of practice:)

Dear Poirot,

You name it - the child has it.
Every toy imaginable. His father keeps
buying them on a weekly basis.
At least they'll get some use -
eventually. My daughter-in-law is expecting
another child in November and perhaps that
might relieve the situation as well.

Moving house sounds exciting.
Hard work - but exciting.

All the Best.

Foxy, here's a link:
https://virtuesshop.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=26&category_id=2&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=63

I came to this by accident through some friends who are Baha'i, some 20 years ago. Every virtue starts with a quote from one of the major religions. So, for me it also added the benefit of introducing my kids, when they were older, to different religions and their 'books'.

As they got into teenage years, when we discussed some concept, especially when they were conflicted with what they knew I wanted to hear and an issue with a friend, it allowed them to make decisions for themselves by themselves.

I could tell you lots of stories of experiences with the children. Including being praised by a young child when they noticed I 'practiced' a particular virtue! That's the thing. It's not about noticing what is NOT done: 'that's not respectful' etc, but what is.

I had my little 4 year old girl, who a teacher was concerned was not being assertive enough (that's also a virtue by the way, so I was afire and aflame to pull that one out) with a particular child at school, explain patiently to me that this boy did not understand about tact and caring, but he will understand that too one day. I stood corrected.

Sorry, Foxy, I also wanted to send you to the main link: http://www.virtuesproject.com/family.html

Dear Yvonne,

Thank You so much.

What a gift you've given me.

Bless You!

Foxy, you'll love it I'm sure. And although it comes from a theological basis, as an atheist I had no problems relating to any of the text. At times I substituted 'universe' for creator or 'good' for God. As they became older discussions on spirituality etc added another really interesting dimension. My children made up their own minds. So, we have atheists, actively practicing Christians and one sort of Buddhist. We have great and stimulating discussions as you can imagine!