A Communal Family

Elizabeth, the SOS mother, involved her children in almost every aspect of running the house. When it was time to make the grocery list, she gathered the family around the table and asked her kids what they would like her to buy. Each child explained what they think needed to be replenished and if they need any personal items such as new school supplies.

I asked Elizabeth what she does if one of the children asks for a new toy. She said that the child has to explain why they need it and if she agrees then she will ask the SOS head office if there is a budget to buy the toy. If the answer is no and she still thinks it is a toy that the kids need – a new ball for example –  then she will often ask the other SOS mothers if they would be willing to pitch to purchase a communal ball that would be shared by the whole Village.

Elizabeth mentioned that she would rather have a communal ball that every child in the Village can use than one bought for a specific child. The concept of purchasing toys for the Village to share was completely new to me but I loved the idea. I am so used to parents spoiling their kids back home (myself included) and not considering what the other kids in the neighbourhood have.

I plan to suggest to my kids that they take five toys that they no longer use and trade them with five toys their cousins or friends are bored with. In Canada, we have so much and yet it isn’t appreciated.