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Thoughtful Gift-givingAwake!—1970 | February 22
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As far as gifts to children are concerned, the parents are naturally the best judges of what their children need and prefer. So their gifts are often practical.
It is those outside the immediate family circle that may find it difficult to select presents. That is why, when they are in doubt, they usually settle on toys. These not only keep a child occupied during his waking hours but, if they are chosen properly, can do much to help him develop both mentally and physically. Some toys are designed to develop his mental concepts. Tricycles and scooters do much to develop his muscular coordination. Others strengthen his dexterity, stimulate his imagination and foster his creative ability. Play phones, dolls, crayons, clay, building blocks and puzzles fit into this category. However, since toys play a part in developing a child’s mental attitudes, those toys that have violent themes—guns, tanks, grenades, and the like—can result in lasting harm. Surely no one wants to harm those for whom he has affection.
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Thoughtful Gift-givingAwake!—1970 | February 22
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Similarly, children, surrounded by a roomful of toys, may still feel lonely if their parents do not take time for them. Giving of oneself to others may be more time-consuming, but the ones who do so find the results much more satisfying. Is it not true that the families that spend time together usually stay together?
There are any number of things that all the family can do together. Why not visit a local museum, a printery or a national park. Take a boat ride, spend a day at the beach or lake, enjoy a picnic or a walk in the woods. Together, cultivate appreciation for the gifts that come from the Creator—life, food, clothing, shelter, and all the little things that contribute toward happiness.
In many homes, adjustments need to be made to give to one another more generously that precious gift of time. Some parents rarely see their children because they send them off into the street, to the local movie house or a neighbor’s house rather than spend time with them. Others may not allow their children to play on crime-ridden streets, but they let them spend a large part of the day in front of the TV set, where they receive a steady diet of crime and violence, simply because it keeps the youngsters occupied. How much better it would be in their preschool years to read to them, and to teach them to draw, paint and help around the house. Help them to develop good, clean habits that will carry over into their adult lives. Time spent with your children pays rich dividends in the future.
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Thoughtful Gift-givingAwake!—1970 | February 22
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[Picture on page 15]
Devoting some of your time to your children is one of the most valuable gifts of all
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