Children, more than anything, need parental love. When giving gifts keep things in perspective. Love does not equal overindulgence in material gifts. It is fine to give your children special gifts, but not every little thing they want at every whim. Keep an ongoing dialogue with your children about the importance of loving and giving to others. There is a joy in giving that every parent should enjoy, but always remind your children that the real gift is Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Rather than focusing on collecting endless worldly treasures, be sure to teach them that this life is fleeting, and that eternal treasures are something they can count on forever.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7).