Memorable Milestones

What is a milestone? According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a milestone is:

1. A stone marker set up on a roadside to indicate the distance in miles from a given point.


2. An important event, as in a person's career, the history of a nation, or the advancement of knowledge in a field; a turning point.

Our children’s milestones are not measured in miles, but they are like stones set in our minds and hearts to mark points along the paths of their lives. In the Old Testament days they set memorial stones to remember significant events. The ways we celebrate these milestones, however big or small, are the stones which help us to remember the faithfulness and kindness of God to us and our children.

First day of kindergarten: Take a picture of your child getting on the school bus. Plan a trip to their favorite fast food restaurant when they get home. Get balloons to welcome them home.

Losing a tooth: Get the book Throw Your Tooth on the Roof to show your child how other cultures celebrate losing a tooth.

Learning to swim: Get a child’s t-shirt and iron on a decal picture of a fish with the words “Look at me, I can swim!”

Riding a bike without training wheels: Take the family out for a bike ride and if possible ride to an ice cream shop for a cone to celebrate! Buy a new helmet or bike horn or mirror.

First goal/home run/touchdown: Get a plastic tablecloth with a sports theme. Pick up some frosted cupcakes at the grocery store and decorate them with some plastic footballs/baseballs/soccer balls. Make a sign awarding your child the MVP of the day.

Making the honor roll: Have a family award ceremony at home or at a restaurant. Reward your child with a new CD, or video game.

Getting a driver’s license: If your child doesn’t already have a cell phone, this may be the time to get them one…for keeping in touch (remind them not to talk and drive!). Get them their own emergency kit filled with Safety Matches, Band aids, Antiseptic Wipes, Instructions to Change a Flat Tire, Instructions to Jump Start a Dead Battery, Emergency Contact List, Accident Record and a copy of their signed Parent Child Driving Agreement.

Getting a first job: Trade your child’s first paycheck for some cash and frame the paycheck (I’m sure it won’t amount to much!) Your child will be proud, and s/he will get a kick out of it as an adult! Help your child set up their first budget. Set up their own account on Quicken. Let them track their own spending and saving.