Giving lessons

[mdlbear]

Like a lot of people on my friends list, I've been looking for inexpensive gifts to give people, and especially my kids (who are not on this filter, BTW). One of the obvious zero-cost options is lessons: guitar for the Y.D.; maybe simple Perl or Javascript programming for the Wolfling.

I've offered, of course, but I think they're a little shy of asking, and when I think of it, it's usually not convenient for them. So this year I'm going to print a couple of stacks of coupons on business card stock. That way they'll have a tangible reminder that they can ask, they can hand on to me some time when I don't look busy, and then I'll have a tangible reminder that I made the offer and should make the time for it.

Feel free to make up your own variations on this one. Of course, what you put on the coupons doesn't have to be lessons; I remember a long time ago one Valentine's Day when Colleen gave me a little coupon book for things like hugs and kisses and backrubs that I might have ben too shy to ask for. Massage, home-cooked meals, private performances...

Comments

[judifilksign.livejournal.com]

My advice is to put dates of use on your coupons, and mark the calendar for regular lessons. Despite best intentions, music lessons with my son did not happen until they were marked on the calendar.

Putting dates on a coupon book shows you will follow through, and not have to depend on memory when things are fluffed up and life gets busy. Also, kids don't have to pick the "right time" to get you for their lessoning, it is a scheduled interaction you've put aside, just as if you were paying someone else to do it. Shyness overcome!