My son's smile!

By Toni
@toniganzon (72317)
Philippines
March 6, 2011 6:34pm CST
My son will soon have his 7th birthday on the 14th of March. In our country the 7th year of a child should be given importance for the reason that i am not really particular of. Every year we would celebrate our son's birthday lavishly with at least 100 guests. I told my son this year would be his last birthday celebration and he agreed. Yesterday I suddenly decided to get him an ipad as his birthday present and i was so happy to see him smile. My son loved it so much that he ate dinner so fast but he ate a lot!. We were all surprised because he would usually be the last to leave the dining table. You can really see the excitement in him to use his new ipad. I feel no guilt in giving him such a gift because he's a good student and he tries to make us proud of him. He is naughty in a normal way and a little bit stubborn. I can really see myself in him when i was young! I love my son so much I just want him to have everything that would make him happy, but i know that there are limitations that i have to observe. I don't want him to become a spoiled brat. I"m just happy to see my son happy!
1 person likes this
10 responses
@shattered (1728)
• Philippines
7 Mar 11
As parents, we do want to see our children happy. It's good to know you know there are limits especially when that smile just melts you in a way nothing else can and will. It is so difficult to say no right?
1 person likes this
@shattered (1728)
• Philippines
7 Mar 11
Its good to know that he still likes to mingle with friends and his cousins and that gadgets and FaceBook are only alternatives. I'd hold out on the PSP though I'll probably give in to the wii and the DS lite... and probably the ipad2...
@toniganzon (72317)
• Philippines
7 Mar 11
I always say no to my son when i think that what he's asking for is too much. I hardly even buy him a toy because i believe he has a lot. He's got psp, nintendo ds lite, wii and now a new ipad! But i make sure that he doesn't neglect his studies even though he has all these gadgets. He still plays outside, riding bicycle with friends and playing games with his cousins. He does play inn facebook too but only when his cousins are not around. He would still prefer playing with them than spending time alone in front of his computer.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
7 Mar 11
Hi toni You are a wonderful mom. I wish you and your son share the same happiness, love and togetherness for many many years to come
@toniganzon (72317)
• Philippines
7 Mar 11
I pray and wish for the same thing. I know someday he'll grow up to be a real man and won't need me beside him anymore. So i try to cherish every moment that we share together now while he's still young and still clingy to me.
@pinklilly (3443)
• Australia
7 Mar 11
Happy Birthday to Your son for the 14th March... Wow he is very Lucky to get an Ipad. What country are you from? I'm curios about the 7th Year Celebrations... Having Lavish Birthdays too would become very expensive, especally with over 100 guest... I can see why you would spoil your son if you don't have any more children... I wish you all the Best in the future.. There is still Hope for another child... I had problems conceiving my 3rd Child who is almost ready to be born. A True Blessing... Best of Luck
@toniganzon (72317)
• Philippines
7 Mar 11
I am from the Philippines. Yes it's expensive to prepare for his birthday, that's why this is going to be his last birthday party with big guests.
• United States
7 Mar 11
My parents use to spoil me because they found out that I was going to be their only child. My mother could not have any more children because of complications having me. I use to get all kinds of things when I was growing up. They slowed down with giving me gifts/presents because I was always wanting more. They had me start working/helping them at home on our farm to earn what they were going to give me. This was good though, even though at the time I hated it. It taught me a lot of responsibility and respect to my parents. I started doing better in school and just a happier child. Must be great to see your son growing up and happy. An ipad is amazing tool for kids because there a programs you can get on it that will help them with spelling or math etc. I have one, which I use to bring with me to different places because it's lighter than my laptop. I use mine for college, drawing, and research. I say as long as your son is doing well in school and home it's good to give them something for their good attitude and behavior. Sometimes this helps them focus and do better. But you don't always have to give them something to get a smile out of your child. My mom would bring me outside for a hike or fishing. Going somewhere that I loved, would make me happier than a gift. I still have my memories of me and my mom together when I was a child. Anyway happy birthday to your son and I'm glad you were able to share a smile together.
@toniganzon (72317)
• Philippines
7 Mar 11
Thank you for sharing your experience. I come from a big family myself and my father spoiled me but I didn't turn out to become a brat. My mother knew what to give and what not to give and i am doing the same thing to my son. Every night i read the bible to him so he can go to sleep and we usually do things together like going to the pool or at the beach.
• Philippines
7 Mar 11
pamper them when needed,and spoil them not at any time...we've been there, we knew what happens when we get all things... good, to love them kids... : )
1 person likes this
@biach17 (196)
• Philippines
7 Mar 11
Wow an ipad for a seven-year old child. i envy your son. for sure he will study hard and will make effort to make you a proud parent all the time. Happy Birthday to your lucky boy!
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72317)
• Philippines
7 Mar 11
I will surely tell him that! I want him to understand how lucky he is to have good family around him and learn how to appreciate that. I have no other wish but for him to do well in school and be a good person.
• China
7 Mar 11
Hello,i can feel you are so love your son,his happy is also your happy. but education is a knowledge,my daughter is 8 months old now, i think the challenge will come,i will learn more about child's education.
1 person likes this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
9 Mar 11
Lucky child! lol! Happy birthday to him in advance! Parents treat their child as one of the most important person in their lives, their smile are just so precious that you cant help but feel a sense of completeness and joy. As parents we like to give them everything that we could just to make them happy.
• Philippines
8 Mar 11
advance happy birthday to your son. it is really our traditions to celebrate our child's 7th birthday... he must be excited exploring is ipad. we parents do really want to give everything that makes our children happy but with limitation ofcourse. again, happy birthday to your son
@send2noel (140)
• Saudi Arabia
7 Mar 11
a child's smile is parents happiness and enjoyment. materials things are not enough, it's the guidance, love and patience that will make a child to be one of the children of God. Teaching discipline and to be God fearing at an early stage will make a child go stronger faith and to be a good person when he grows up.
1 person likes this