The first words out of my children’s mouths when I walk in the door from work, aren’t, “Daddy, Daddy, we missed you!” or “Look what I made in school today!” It’s “TREAT! TREAT! Did you bring us a treat?”

If I did, I’m the best daddy in the world; if not, call Social Services and have me reported for child cruelty. This isn’t a case of spoiled children expecting a new bike, train, or rocking horse. The expectation is more along the lines of a marble, Life Saver candy, decal, or stick of gum. (Even a shiny rock I picked up in the yard once did the trick.)

Since this is such a big deal to the children, I added some variety to enhance the moments when they shout, “TREAT? TREAT?” Some past examples:

1. “Which hand?” I held out two closed fists.
2. “I have a treat, but you have to find it. It’s somewhere on me,” I teased. They delved into my pockets, shoes, socks, collar, until they located it.
3. “I don’t know . . . I don’t remember.” I smiled deviously and proceeded to the bedroom to change my clothes, but I didn’t get far. “I’m not sure where it is. Maybe it’s over there.” I diverted their attention. When they looked away, I threw their treat in the air and then looked as surprised, as they did, when it hit the ground.

How can this nominal trifle bring as much, if not more excitement and enjoyment, than an expensive birthday gift? Maybe it’s because:

1. “It’s the thought that counts,” really does count.
2. It’s a random event elevated by anticipation that builds with time.
3. There are no expectations, like there are at holidays and birthdays.
4. The event gets associated with Dad being home. (Which is certainly cause for celebration, isn’t it?)

Maybe the reason is really very simple, transcending logic and analysis, captured by Robert Browning, who said, “Less is more.”

Rex Bowlby is the father of two boys. He is the author of the book, Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box? (101 Ways to Make the Most of Your Children, With the Least from Your Wallet*) *For parents with children ages 3-8. He lives in Los Angeles, California, USA.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, October 22nd, 2006 at 4:23 pm and is filed under 03-05 yrs: Preschooler, 05-12 yrs: Schooler, Crafts and Activities. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.