Gift of Giving

Cookie: “Tell me a story.”
Dandy: “I’m tired, Cookie. Go to sleep.”
Cookie: “I’m going to do nothing for you. I will not find a special rock, use the hose, clean it, and make it a present. Nothing for you.”
Dandy: “Hey, I give you treats too. How about that?”
Cookie: “It’s not the same. Those are from the store. I made the rock. I said Nothing for you!”
Dandy: “Fine, let’s read a story.”
Cookie: “No, make one from your head.”

Dandy was truly taken aback. Little Cookie had the ability to discern that a hand-picked rock—washed and polished with love—was worth more than a snack Dandy bought from the store. Cookie could tell that the effort wasn’t the same. Mind blown!

And yet, here we are as parents, shopping off the “Best Toys of the Year” list, thinking they need these things to belong in society. But what if it’s not about the things at all?

A story from the heart carries a different weight than one picked off a shelf. This moment made me reflect on all the little things that hold meaning—for us and our children.

A hug given freely feels different from one that’s rushed. Every small act we do with love—or effort—is deeply felt. Our children notice when we’re fully present—and when we’re not. It’s as if they are gently reminding us:
“What you do with your hands, what you do with your eyes, what you do with your heart—we notice. We feel your love.”

Whether it’s tying their shoes, fixing their collar, wiping crumbs off their face, brushing their hair away, slipping a note into their lunchbox, or offering a morning pep talk to boost their confidence—these small, mindful efforts matter.

And just as we cherish their thoughtful acts—those beautiful smiles, the handmade cards, their kitchen experiments, and their eagerness to tackle “grown-up” tasks—we must remember that love flows both ways. Even as they grow and things change, the love behind our actions is always received.

Expressing love in intangible ways is a special gift. Saying it out loud reminds them (and us) that the smallest things in this big world truly do matter. In fact, they matter a lot. Here are some ways to share it with our family.

10 Loving Lunchbox Notes to Brighten Your Child’s Day:

1. “You are braver than you believe and stronger than you think!”
2. “Your smile makes the world a better place.”
3. “Mistakes mean you’re learning—keep going!”
4. “I’m so proud of you, no matter what.”
5. “You are one of a kind, and that’s your superpower!”
6. “Even when we’re apart, I’m always thinking of you.”
7. “You have a heart full of kindness—share it today!”
8. “Dream big and know I’m cheering you on.”
9. “You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing.”
10. “Remember, you are loved beyond measure!”

A Daily Mantra to Speak to Your Child:

1. “You are loved, just as you are.”
2. “I see you, I hear you, and I’m proud of you.”
3. “Your feelings matter, and I’m always here to listen.”
4. “I believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.”
5. “You have a special place in this world.”
6. “Mistakes are how we learn and grow.”
7. “Kindness always starts with yourself.”
8. “Your ideas are important and worth sharing.”
9. “I love you every moment of every day.”
10. “You are my greatest adventure, and I cherish every moment with you.”