Tap Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 My 11yo has been so helpful lately. She has taking care of us all while I can't. She has been trying to anticipate what needs to be done and doing it unprompted. I have been in bed for over 2 days due to a bad back and she has taken very good care of me while I have been down. She keeps my glass of water filled, brings me ice packs and meds, and offers to do anything I want her to do. She cleaned house for me yesterday and has been watching her little sister too. She has even been getting up in the middle of the night to see if I need anything. When I get well I want to do something special for her. I already gave her a small thank you gift (a Build-a-Bear) that I had stashed in my closet. We already had a special day planned together next week, so I can't use that outing for this. I really want something to tell her how much I see she that has grown up this year. How she has started to try to prioritize other people's feelings. And doing things unprompted. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 How about something like a nail care set?? Or, a manicure at the salon? Ours can do it for about $15.... :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cougarmom4 Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Is there something special that she's been wanting to do? For example, my dd10 is 'dying' to get her ears pierced...so that was the first thing that came to my mind...allowing her to do something like that. Something that might be a little more grown up than she usually has been allowed to do. What a lucky mom you are to have such a sweet daughter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Jewelry? Maybe begin a charm bracelet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Jewelry? Maybe begin a charm bracelet. That's what I was thinking too. Maybe a locket? Also, write her a letter telling her all of this, seal it up, put it away. Continue to write these at different times as you feel moved. When she goes off to college, or moves out, or moves on to the next phase of her life, give her the letters. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSDCY Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Is there something in particular she likes? Like cute stationary, a book series, or to redecorate her room? Or maybe just saying it to her is enough? Because it looks like you already have some good stuff planned for her, and her actions seem to reflect her appreciation towards the love and care you have given her in the past. Either way, she is sure a sweet and unselfish girl! You are so blessed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphabetika Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 That's what I was thinking too. Maybe a locket? Also, write her a letter telling her all of this, seal it up, put it away. Continue to write these at different times as you feel moved. When she goes off to college, or moves out, or moves on to the next phase of her life, give her the letters. :001_smile: Spinning off of Stacia's suggestion, here's something I've done with my dd11 since she was 5 or so: She and I keep a journal in which we write notes back and forth to each other. She can use the journal to ask me questions she may not want to ask out loud (lots of those at this age!), vent, just say hello, anything she wants. I stay positive in it, answer her questions, praise her, tell I love her, give her advice, write encouraging quotes or scripture, thank her for jobs well done, etc. Since we've been doing it for so long, we have filled a few journals, and she loves to go back and read them. She "wrote" her first entries before she could write, so they're just scribbles, but she told me what she meant to say and I translated them so we could go back to them. :) It's a fun way to see the improvement in writing skills, too! Anyway, your thank you to your dd for her TLC could be your first entry in this journal, and you may start a very beloved tradition. Your daughter sounds wonderful - you're blessed! HTH!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyhomemaker25 Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Think about her interests or what she has shown an interest in lately. I recently took my daughter to Joannes and let her pick out some patterns because she has had a huge improvement in her overall attitude lately. She was really wanting to pick her sewing up more so this was perfect for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Sometimes the best thank you gifts are as simple as recognition and just that genuine, heartfelt hug and vocal appreciation. Sounds like you have a very sweet, caring child on your hands :) I have one, too, and he always pulls through when I need him to - oftentimes before I even ask. I get monthly migraines that incapacitate me 3-4 days each month and he sends the preschooler to my parents and will stay home with me to help - rub my feet, ice packs, fill water glass, hold my hair back when I get sick. And he does this in between doing his schoolwork, on his own, and maintaining the daily chores around the house. I'm a single parent, and he's my rock. I try to gift him token things that I know he likes or has wanted, but honestly - I can see in his eyes that his favorite thank you of all is when I look him in the eyes (often with tears in my own) and just thank him from the bottom of my heart. He feels good knowing I recognize his efforts, but most of all feels good seeing how helpful he is to keeping our home and family stable .. knowing I find him dependable and necessary for our family. We usually follow with a mushy snuggle on the couch, watching a movie or reading a book. When he asks for more privileges, I try to show my appreciation for him by sincerely considering them and saying yes as appropriate to the maturity level he shows in caring for our family (as opposed to setting an arbitrary age when x would be okay). He acts the part, he gets treated the part. That's probably the best gift I give him. I hope your back feels better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 I love the idea of the letters! I think I'm going to start that. I think I'd take her out for something special - just the two of you. Does she like manicures? Massages? Pedicures? Couple that with a nice lunch out. What a sweet dd you've raised!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Is there anything from your jewelry box you'd like to give her? That is about as grown up as you can get ;) Or so I thought when I was that age... :) Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.