Creams and candies to improve mood: Ukrainians are amazed by gifts for teachers without an occasion

A lively discussion broke out on social media after the mother of a first-grader, Maria Maiboroda, spoke about her daughter’s unexpected wish.

A six-year-old girl approached her mother with a question about a gift for her teacher. When asked, “What is the reason?” the child replied, “No, others just bring creams or candies, and why don’t I give anything?”

Maiboroda expressed her surprise: “I wonder why parents give such gifts? I understand that these are not exclusively expensive things, but why do we teach children that attention can be bought? I can’t understand this. Am I the only one so shocked by this “traditional Ukrainian upbringing”?”

This situation caused heated discussions. Many parents supported Maiboroda, noting that collecting money for a class gift is one thing. Still, when parents buy a gift personally so the child can congratulate the teacher, it’s already strange.

“We usually agree on a common gift, but one mother always buys something else separately. I don’t understand it,” wrote one of the commentators.

Others expressed their surprise at the situation: “How can you get a child to give creams and sweets so quickly? She just started school!”

Several commentators tried to justify this practice: “My eldest daughter is already 21, it’s the norm. But there will always be parents who try to flatter the teacher. It looks unpleasant, but they still love them.”

The discussion also raised the question of children’s sincere intentions: “Are attention and attitude really bought? If a child wants to give something from the bottom of their heart, how can they do it without causing condemnation?”

Some reminded that there is a difference between forced gifts and personal initiative: “If your child doesn’t realize, you need to explain it to him. No one is forcing him; it’s his own desire.”

The discussion also brought back nostalgic memories: “I remember when I was a child, I really wanted to give my teacher an apple. I was happy when she tasted it. It was like a small victory for me.”

Expressing their thoughts, the participants of the discussion raised the question of whether it is essential to teach children to value attention and relationships, and whether it deserves a commercial approach.

As a reminder, other educational issues were recently discussed online that resonated with parents and teachers.