my boy and "the gift"

On Sunday my husband and I took our 6 year olds to the swap meet. Before we even got to the car there were tears because I had thrown away the plastic Easter eggs and my daughter had put her money in one of them. : ( She was upset and crying when her brother pulled out one of his dollars and gave it to her with a "here have one of mine" comment. My husband and I couldn't have been prouder and I gave him a dollar for his unselfish act and told him I was proud of him for giving from his heart.
Our children help us with yard work and dusting and other things around the house. They are not "chores" per say, we are just teaching them about helping and sharing in all ways, not just with their toys. We usually give them a dollar or two or let them pick a movie rental. So they are learning the value of work and money.
We got to the swap meat and found a vender with lots of old truck toys. He had a big fire engine and my son was entranced with this truck and the many others that the man had. He would look and say "Sir, how much is this?" and be told $10, $15, or $5 each time. He knew he didn't have enough so he just kept looking. After the 3rd time of asking, the man asked if the money was my sons. My son just kinda looked at him before saying yes it was his and I said that he had been saving. My son finally found a cool old car and asked the man again how much and the man said "Since it's your money and you've been saving it I'll give it to you for $1." Out came his money and after giving it to the man he said "Thank you" and shook the man's hand. This man got a look on his face of disbelief and promptly gave my son his money back and said "You keep your money young man." Again his dad and I couldn't have been more proud of his manners and sincerity. I have never heard of a serious vender giving anything away at the swap meet and I knew the light of God had shined down brightly on us that morning. We took the opportunity to talk to the kids about this and other kind and respectful things we can do for each other and the people we meet.
As my daughter says frequently, “This was my best day!”

bookworm_mom ~ mommy of twins