Mom, "It's a life skill"

"It's not just Christmas shopping, Mom, it's a life skill," says my son as we drive home from a successful evening of shopping together.

Wow. I'm just blown away by his maturity and this "ah ha moment." And more than that, for him to realize this and actually articulate it to me. Again, wow.  I've always known he was a mature kid, wise beyond his 9 years, but still I am impressed enough to share this treasured moment.

The shopping event was pretty straight forward. We had planned to go in the evening, once the mall had quieted for the day. I gave him a very specific, and suitable, amount of money. My only instructions were that he had to buy all the gifts for family and friends with that money, no more. He needed to have a list of people, and at least an idea or two of the the gifts he was after for each person. If there was less than $10 left over he could keep it. (If more than $10 he would have to go back for more gifts.)

He knew what stores he wanted to go to and had a general idea of what he was after. Once at the mall, he quickly realized what options were realistic on his budget and what types of things were available and looked good.  He liked the sales and was always calculating out loud. His math skills are quite good. I didn't have to step in there at all.  He even used the automated check stand at one store!

He bought items for his brother, parents and grandparents, six gifts in total. The most money he spent was on his brother, and I think, the most thought as well. (Hooray!!  I'm a proud mom. ) He really likes the gifts he chose. He's excited for Christmas so he can show off his choices.

We were done in under two hours, with little or no stress at all. He was really proud of himself and we had a lively chat all the way home. That's when he told me a bit about what he's learning in school, and what he learned from me this evening.

I am so blessed.