The end of the course is approaching and again the same position: Should we give a gift to our child's teacher or teacher? There will be parents who, two months before, started a conversation in WhatsApp groups remembering 'the obligatory nature' of the gift, although it seems that not everyone agrees or understand this custom. But then the doubts arise: will they not discriminate against my son for not participating in the common gift or bringing anything to the teacher?
We talk about how much money is usually given, which gift is the most appropriate, and also what to do if you don't want to participate.
Each parent must be free to choose
In the last year of kindergarten, I presented my son's teachers because they loved him and he loved them, and I wanted to thank him for his love and dedication.
But when he got to school, everything changed. My child's first child teacher spent the day saying, in front of parents and children, that he "It was bad", that drove her crazy and she couldn't with him. And for more talks I had with her where she promised to vary her language and her non-pedagogical attitude with a little three-year-old, the situation reached such a point that she was determined to change her center the following year so she wouldn't have to see her again.
So when I received the usual message in the group of parents of the school highlighting the wonderful work of the teacher and that he deserved a spectacular end-of-year gift, I rode in anger. Of course I did not participate and the following year we were lucky that the 'amazing' teacher was no longer in school (she was interim) and my son had a wonderful teacher who does like to work with children.
My case, I think, is just an example of what many parents feel about the extended custom of giving to the educator of our young children. I think everyone should be free to decide whether or not to participate. At least, I did so.
In Babies and more Making gifts to teachers again divides parentsAn outdated tradition?
This habit of giving the teacher a gift comes from far away and used to be a Christmas thank you for his good work, just as he gave the postman or the doorman of the building, for example.
Now, in some cases the tradition goes much further: it is not only given at Christmas, but also at the end of the course. In addition, the investment can range from three euros per family in gifts of the whole class, to even up to 20 euros per child, to be able to pay a visit to a spa or even a trip.
But, have you stopped to think what gift of your child is the one that makes you more excited? Do you prefer the 'hyper ideal of death' bag that Dad has paid for, or the last drawing with those words so loving written with the letter, still insecure, of your favorite little boy?
Well, the same thing happens to teachers: they thank even more a personalized memory for the children of the class than a very expensive gift. The important thing is that they feel they are doing their job well.
Gift ideas for teachers
Gift Idea There are no better or worse gifts. It all depends on the dedication of the children and the budget with whom you have. Some parents opt for practical gifts, without personalizing, so that the teacher can use freely without the condition of being marked with names or dedications (such as a beauty treatment or a jewel), while others prefer that children participate in the gift.
Some ideas of collective handmade gift:
Parents can collect representative images of the course (such as an excursion, Christmas, Halloween ...) and with the help of the children, prepare an album with photos and drawings.
The photo of the children's course with the teacher, in a frame and with the children's signature behind: it is a classic. If there is not, you can frame a picture that appreciates the work of the teacher and better if done by their students.
A video where children sing a song together to their teacher, or where they recite a poem. But as it is difficult to agree all parents with their children, better choose to record a video where each child dedicates a few words of affection to the teacher.
In Babies and moreWhat to give to your child's teachers: we give you 17 original ideas- A joint drawing, which symbolizes how much they have learned. For all artists to enter, a good idea is to make, for example, a tree with a fingerprint of each child in different colors.
Tiny hands also serve to decorate a school gown for the teacher, a blanket or even an apron.
A beautiful box full of drawings, poems, postcards of the students.
Pasta or cookies made by children with the initials of their names.
A plant in a pot decorated by children or a bouquet of flowers (which is sure success) with a postcard signed by the whole class.
Custom gifts
If you lack ideas, you can enter the Internet: there you find everything and more than you can imagine. You do not believe it? Try putting, for example, "teacher gift" on Amazon and surprise yourself.
You'll find books to personalize with class history, cups where you can include the educator's name, candy gift baskets, Beauty items with labels to taste, key chains, jewelry and jewelry to record names or messages, diplomas, notebooks, cases ...
Look for more original ideas in Gift to the teacher.
What if I don't want to participate in the gift?
Well, nothing happens either. You have to think that the gift cannot be seen as a bribe for the teacher "treat my children better", but as a token of appreciation for his work and does not have to be something material.
Yes, it is true that this custom in the years of early childhood education and primary school (when children still have only one teacher) has become practically mandatory and If a family decides not to participate, it is frowned upon and may even be grounds for exclusion from the rest of the parents.
In Babies and more A teacher asks to exchange the gifts she receives from her students for anonymous donations for a food bank, and her solidarity letter goes viralBut it is an optional detail, not mandatory, So if you do not want to contribute, the most advisable thing is to say it as soon as possible in the WhatsApp group, in a polite way, so that from the beginning they do not have the contribution.
And don't think that for not giving him a gift, the teacher may regret that you are not grateful for his work. It is not true, a material gift is not necessary to show empathy. They feed on the love and respect of parents and students and surely sometimes even 'tastes better', a "I love you, a hug and a thank you", if they are from the heart.
Photos | iStock
