Sometimes life with toddlers can be beyond frustrating. Then, sometimes, they can do something that makes all of the frustration melt away.
Pickles came into the kitchen where I was feeding Pords. He was dragging a sleeping bag overflowing with an assortment of items.
And he was looking exceptionally pleased with himself.
“What have you got in there, Mr Pickles?” I asked, trying not to sound too concerned.
“Things that I don’t play with anymore.” He replied. “To give away to people who don’t have lots of stuff.”
I was astonished. When I had suggested this activity a few weeks ago, he had been rather vehemently opposed. He’d obviously been mulling it over.
“That’s a wonderful idea. I’m very proud of you.” I told him. “Let’s see what you’ve got in there.”
He emptied the contents onto the kitchen floor. I was mildly alarmed to see some of his very favourite toys. I wondered if his newfound generosity was indeed this self-sacrificing, or if he didn’t quite understand the concept. Then he started talking about each item.
“This is for Pords because she likes it. This one is for Nanny. She likes green” And on it went, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, acquaintances. None of the recipients could be considered in the category of “people who don’t have lots of stuff.” Nonetheless, he had clearly put a lot of thought into it and his heart was in the right place.
Then he held out Blueberry Muffin, his favourite teddy bear since birth. “BBM is for you Mummy, because you’ve been sick.”
He could have asked for anything then and it would have been his. If only he could find some way of bottling up that moment, his teenage self could have secured his first car.*
I’m recording it here so that I remember, despite all of the frustrations to come, that this little person has a big, beautiful, generous heart.
*If this post still exists when Pickles is of blog reading age, this in no way entitles him to a car. Gorgeousness of the moment notwithstanding.


I adored the story and the caveat at the end.
Anne Mehrling recently posted…A Balanced Life
Aw bless, what a sweetheart he is! (Though the caveat about the car is still a wise move 😉 x #happydiaries
Jess Powell (Babi a Fi) recently posted…The Child’s Right to Play[schemes]
You are so on point. as frustrating they can be and as challenging and as much as they press all our buttons at times, when everything is said and done, they are beautiful little people and sometimes amaze us with the things they say and do and its in those moments we know we must be doing something right. 🙂 #HappyDiaries
oh this is the most gorgeous and happy post! Yep bottle it up! #happydiaries
mackenzie glanville recently posted…The room in your home that shouldn’t be overlooked. Part one design series.
Oh what a sweetheart! That’s so adorable bless him! It always amazes me how thoughtful children can be at times. Eva offered up her tinga tales bike and a load of toys & books to a little boy last christmas. His baby sister had been poorly for months and the time spent in and out of hospital left his parent’s in debt so I asked her if she had a toy she could give him, honestly shocked me just how much she gave him, she handed it all to him and told him she added a special teddy to help his baby sister feel better. Make’s you feel so proud to know they have such kind hearts! xx #happydiaries
That’s beautiful. What a gorgeous gesture ?
Aww what a lovely boy. I completely agree, it’s those little moments that can just wipe all those frustrations away.
Oh that is just adorable. What a wonderful heart-warming moment for you and how generous of Pickles to want to give his things to all the people he cares about and I love how he wanted to give you Blueberry Muffin because you’ve been sick. I do love your caveat that it doesn’t really entitle him to a car though! Thank you for sharing this with #ftmob 🙂
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) recently posted…Parenting Pep Talk #6 – Wave to Mummy
I love how giving and thoughtful they are – pure innocence! #happydiaries
Crummy Mummy recently posted…What makes a true friend?
Awww..what a sweetheart. Offering blueberry muffin to sick mommy. <3 <3 😀 #happydiaries
What a beautiful heart melting moment that must have been. It really does make you proud when your kids show you that kind of unsolicited generousitu and love.
Thanks for sharing with us, Tracey xx #happydiaries
Tracey Abrahams recently posted…The Husband Interviews – With Five Little Doves
Aw such a little sweetheart! I’d have been a sobbing wreck? So cute, and it’s lovely that you’ve recorded such a previous memory in this way x
Rhyming with wine recently posted…Why would someone knit a boob anyway?
So sweet; what positive values you’re fostering in him. May kindness and generousity continue to grow in his heart. What a heart rise moment this must have been for you. 🙂 #CommentLuv
aNoviceMum recently posted…WWW 12 | Looking Beyond the Bars
Bless the persons who have a generous heart, sharing is giving without expecting something in return.