Own a Masterpiece

Giving Children Experiences, Not Things

If I were to ask my grown children about their memories growing up, these memories wouldn’t be about the physical things they received but probably about the experiences they had. Things only provide temporary happiness; they get old very quickly. Experiences are memories that can last a lifetime.

There are many pluses to giving children experiences instead of things. The first thing that comes to mind is there will be less clutter of “stuff” accumulating in the house. And we all know how out of control the house can get with everyone in the family accumulating things!

If the experience includes travel, your children will more than likely be learning about a different culture at the same time. These experiences can build a genuine connection with those around you as well.

Monadnock Family

with Lori Catozzi Cook

There is also a longer-lasting feeling of contentment from experiences versus receiving something. Our kids will also learn to appreciate what they have and realize that an experience is just as exciting as a tangible gift. Older kids tend to derive more happiness from experiences rather than physical items because they can remember them.

Allowing kids to try new things is important because it can promote self-esteem and open their outlook on many things in life. And if the experience they are trying is a bit more challenging, that type of risk helps children learn what their limits are and how to manage uncertainties.

Let’s not forget the happiness aspect of receiving an experience. While material things lose their magic, an adventure can be recalled at any time to put a smile on your face. This feeling cannot be thrown away.

Experiences can bond relationships with friends, siblings, and parents. And these happenings are not only beneficial to your children but also you as these provide you with several teachable moments.

Whether watching or participating, there is also fulfillment for parents when giving children experiences versus things.

A few experiences you could give your children might include:

A visit to a zoo

Tickets to a live show

A sleepover with a friend

Wilderness skills course

April 18, 2023

Brady Bardwell, son of Mark & Erika Bardwell, Swanzey, 8

April 19, 2023

Leia Means, daughter of Kevin & Alicia Means, Keene, 8

April 20, 2023

Liam Miner, son of John & Molly Miner, Ashuelot, 1

Ice skating or roller skating

Indoor skydiving

Aquarium passes

Day at a planetarium

Visiting a batting cage

Day at a pool

Visit an unusual museum (perhaps the American Classic Arcade Museum in Laconia, NH or the Pez Visitor Center in Orange, CT)

Music lessons

An easy-to-care-for pet

Gymnastics classes

Go to a renaissance fair

Concert tickets

A week of camp

Art classes

A day at a water park

Round of mini-golf

Cooking classes

A bowling outing with friends

An afternoon at an arcade

Take a road trip of their choice

Dance classes

Martial art classes

A trail ride on horseback

Tennis or golf lessons

Tubing down a river

A day of skiing or snow tubing

Indoor rock climbing

A weekend of camping

Tickets to a sports game

Once-in-a-lifetime experience (hot air balloon, helicopter ride, etc.)

An ice cream factory tour

A trip to a bookstore for a new book

Gift card to their favorite restaurant

A weekend with the grandparents or cousins

A magazine subscription geared toward a specific hobby

Art supplies

Watch the sun rise over the ocean

Lunch date with a parent

Use a telescope to watch the night sky

Afternoon of crafting or baking of their choice

Movie night

A train ride dinner experience

Tuition for a workshop of interest

Build a tree house or fort together

Climb a local mountain

Most importantly, it’s the memories of experiences that are most treasured. Family trips and adventures will serve as a reminder that your children were loved and wanted, and that they had a great childhood. Lori Catozzi Cook is the assistant editor and a feature writer for The Monadnock Shopper News.

April 24, 2023

Carmen Amato, daughter of Stephanie Taylor & Joe Amato, Swanzey, 3

Weslyn Naeck, daughter of Cody & Olivia Naeck, Swanzey, 1

Lucca Bentley, son of Jesse Bentley & Alisha Bentley, Swanzey, 1

April 25, 2023

Cole Michael Davis, son of Nicole & Michael Davis, Jr., Swanzey, 9

Flutists Offer Spring Sampler Recital In Keene

Penny Sale Fundraiser To Support Families And Veterans

A Penny Sale Fundraiser – to support families and veterans in need throughout the year – will be held at VFW Post 799 in Keene Saturday, April 22nd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tickets will be on sale Thursday, April 20th and Friday, April 21st from 1 to 7 p.m. The cost is $2.50 for 25 tickets. This is open to the public and there is no need to be present to win. Light refreshments will be available.

The VFW is located at 459 Winchester Street. For more details, call Gloria Ruff at 603-352-4046 or email aux799vfw@gmail.com.

Storytime At The Richmond Public Library Wednesdays

River Mill Flutes will present a “Spring Sampler” Recital at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 30th at Congregation Ahavas Achim at 84 Hastings Avenue.

Flutists (L-R) are Beth Anne West, Lisa Lacher Bryan, Rebecca Sayles, and Julie Armstrong.

The event is free and open to the public. For more details, e-mail Rivermillflutes@ yahoo.com.

The Richmond Public Library, on Winchester Road, will be hosting storytime events on Wednesdays in April at 10 a.m. These events include stories, music, finger-plays, crafts, play-time and snacks for all ages.

For more details call the Richmond Public Library at 603-239-6164.