I was recently driving along in the mini-van listening to my kids rabbit on about all the things they want. Nothing irritates me more than being party to privileged kids’ conversations about “stuff” they want and don’t have. Don’t get me wrong, mine are not exactly spoiled – if they are wearing a fancy label, it most likely came in a hand me down bag. They didn’t get a wii for Christmas like most of their peer counterparts, and they are required to share any and all big ticket items. We even have a “no birthday present rule” at their parties. But, I look at my kids and the opportunities they have and swear that in my next life, I’m coming back as one of my own kids.
So there I was driving along in a fit of disgust. It seemed the perfect time to explain that we should sponsor a foster child.
The suggestion was greeted with tremendous excitement. It was decided we should sponsor a boy in an effort to equalize the gender difference in the family. We arrived home, got online, and found ourselves a great kid to sponsor (yes, it was that easy). His picture didn’t speak to us the way his name did: Oscar Mario. In a home obsessed with Super Mario, they were delighted to find a foster brother with “Mario” in his name.
What followed was amazing. Kids were doing chores and asking that their pocket money be sent to Oscar Mario. Letters were written and pictures drawn for Oscar Mario. Suddenly I started hearing things like “instead of asking for another virtual pet, I’m going to ask mama to send extra money to Oscar Mario”. They’ve requested that some Mabel products go to him, so if you find yourself cruising around Costa Rica and happen to see a kid with nothing except some Mabel’s Labels, that’s our guy.
My five-year-old was curious to find out if Oscar Mario lived on our planet (?!) so we grabbed the opportunity to teach them about geography, language, and culture – globes were out, encyclopedias strewn about the family room and all because they felt connected to Oscar Mario. That connection made them keen to learn everything about his world….er, or planet 
So in the words of some obnoxious financial lending institution:
The cost of sponsoring Oscar Mario – $35.00 per month
The cost of seeing my kids learn the lesson of giving – priceless!
But, so ya know, we still have a lot of work to do. Tonight the five-year-old asked when Oscar Mario would send her a present. Sheeeesh!
RSS
Terrific idea Julie!
(And the five-year-old is only five, after all!)
Hi!
I found you through Mom Bloggers Club.
I can totally relate to your feelings and frustration.
I’m going to seriously look into doing something similar.
Thank you!
~Ann
http://annagain66.blogspot.com/
I love it!! You had me awwwing and lmao.
Great idea! Although we sponsor a child and our children (ages 4 and
are aware we do, they have not spent any time researching and locating where she lives. Good Summer Project. How has the “presentless” party gone over. I took the initial steps at the beginning of this year to speak with our families and request that we do not to exchange gifts. Not sure it went over well however we came to an agreement that we give cards with money. (So we basically trade $20 bills.) I have mentioned to a few of my closer friends that we not do the “present thing” but I don’t think they are there yet! I would prefer to give or recieve a useful gift like Mabel’s Label pkg, but that’s just my opinion! Hmmm something to think about…glad there is someone else out there thinking the same thoughts.
CF
The no present thing has been fine…the kids get it, but other parents get weirded out not sending their kid with a present to give. With cousins we do a bit of gifting, but it is more now like giving them an event. E.g. last year we gave my nephew a private ski lesson. He loved it!