The gift of family and how it defines our perception of giving
A very insightful TedTalk featuring a little girl as the speaker highlighted the importance of family and familial connections to the development of a child right from the womb to about five years old. According to this extraordinary young girl, she says that depriving a toddler of attention and play causes stress and anxiety for that child, almost synonymous with panic attacks that some adults experience. Her question then was, can you imagine a child growing up constantly deprived of attention and play? This child grows into a chaotic and emotionally disconnected adult, not knowing how to give and receive love. This affects the individual and has a ripple effect on his community and, ultimately, the world.
This shows that family plays an overwhelming role in shaping an individual’s identity. It is a child’s primary agent of socialization, shaping their belief system, attitudes, and perceptions of self and others right from childhood. The family imparts values, norms, and perceptions that influence individual development. The family’s influence on an individual’s identity is multifaceted, encompassing social, attitudinal, and psychological assimilations.
When a child is groomed in a loving environment, this child learns to receive and give love. He learns to appreciate the sacrifice of love that his parents make to help him grow into a wholesome individual, and while appreciating these qualities, the child unconsciously imbibes them as well. Research shows that children start understanding how to empathize -placing themselves in others’ shoes and correctly guessing appropriate gifts well suited to individuals around age 4. Research further shows that 3-year-olds show difficulty buying a gift for others, while 4-year-olds show less difficulty and 5-year-olds even less (Atance, Belanger, & Meltzoff, 2010). Interestingly, observation shows that children’s ability to choose a gift for a special someone is enhanced when their desires are met presently or on a promissory note.
A loving family is a powerful source of confidence and high self-esteem for individuals. It also fosters the development of conflict resolution skills, communication and social interaction skills. Moreover, it builds resilience and adaptability as the family faces and overcomes challenges together, providing a sense of stability and predictability. Importantly, it decreases the likelihood of future mental health challenges, underscoring the positive outcomes of a supportive family environment.
The wholesomeness that a loving family provides has a profound impact on individuals. It instils in them the art of giving, teaching them to show their loved ones how much they care. Through the act of giving gifts, they become more conscious of the things in their life that they are grateful for. This practice not only creates happy memories but also brings joy to both the giver and the receiver, highlighting the positive influence of family on an individual’s behaviour.
At African Gift Shop (www.myafricangiftshop.com), we pride ourselves on offering a unique and exclusive range of gift items. Our hand-crafted ensembles, vibrant kaftans, stylish hoodies, elegant gowns, and unique bags and sneakers are all one-of-a-kind. Our gift boxes provide a special touch to your gift, making it even more memorable for your loved one.
To view our collection of gift items, please visit www.myafricangiftshop.com
