A Slice of Life

I was hesitant to introduce chocolates in N’s diet. I knew he would love it and want more of it. I didn’t buy chocolates until he was over a year old and kept him away from it for as long as I could. Well, what do you know! Where do you think he got the first taste of chocolate? At the pediatrician’s clinic. I kid you not. Every time we visit N’s doctor, N gets a toffee. It is like a ritual and N looks forward to visiting the doctor. He is the only kid I know who is all excited about visiting his doctor.

I know I can request the doctor not to give him a chocolate, but what really bothers me is the fact that people give chocolates as gifts for every occasion. My colleague decided to drop by to collect something and he got a packet full of chocolates for N. My cousin came over for a stay and she had a box of chocolates. We visited an aunt of mine and she promptly gave some toffees to N. I know their intentions are all good, but chocolates are not really the best choice for a gift. N loves chocolates and it breaks my heart to refuse him a chocolate, so I don’t buy any. The only chocolates we have at home are all gifts and I have a big box full of them. N knows this and keeps digging into it every now and then.

I am guilty of this very mistake before I stood on this side of the court. I would have a handful of chocolates in my bag and would offer it to anyone and everyone. Never bothered about whether the parents were okay with it. Now that I am a mother myself, I understand people have opinions and chocolates may not be that welcome in every household.

I think fruits will make a better gift. Most of the kids love fruits and they are much more nutritious and filling than chocolates! Any other better gift ideas?