Dakota Wica'hpi Ina

I was taught that the best thing that they can do with this is give it back to the community, elders, or the drum. My son has always given it to the drum or if it's more than $1 he gives it to an elder, ect. I thought that this teaches respect for our people. He a good kid who (tries to) opens doors for adults, will offer to get a plate for an elder, and always offers his seat to elder people. He's polite and well mannered. The last powwow we were at I was told that he should keep the money for himself to spend. In my opinion a child under the age of 5 does not need their own money. Am I wrong in teaching him this?

Pvt Butter

I used to give it to my mom. I know she threw down way more money than I ever earned tiny totting - not that I was entirely aware of this when I was a wee one!

I miss the days when people enjoyed watching you dance because you didn't care what you looked like or if your pamper was hanging down to your mocs.

kiiyaaniiasdzaa

You are not doing the wrong thing. With my little girl I give her the option of what she wants to do with her money. Most of the time she keeps it but for gourd dance for blanket dances she goes out there without me telling her and she donates some money.

Tsia

I don't really see the point in giving tiny tots money, but I guess they could buy some goodies with it or donate it. I've been places where they give out little toys and that always seems to be a crowd pleaser.

Pampers hangin down to the mocs... LOL! I still see that!!

Nezbah

Dakota.....don't stop. Keep teaching him this because as he grows up he'll end having the respect from those elders and drums he 'donates' too.

My 6 year old has been doing this since he was 3yrs old. I have always taught him to give 1/2 of his winnings or even just the $1 to the drum that either sang his song (tinytot song) or to the drum of his choice (usually the host or a travelling drum from outside of town or even the one that makes him dance the hardest). He has also given $$ to the elders. Since then, he has earned alot of respect from those drums, some have given him tapes/CD's and one even gave him a drumstick. However, the one thing I see he appreciates the most are the smiles and the handshakes from all the singers. I teach him to appreciate the drum and respect it as its the one thats making him dance the hardest. I also teach him what you give in life is what you'll receive out of it.

So keep doing what your doing. Never question a judgement out of your own heart. I wish I saw more parents teach their little one's about this, greed is one of the monsters that exist in all of our communities today.

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