

A Joy To Give, But Not To Kids… So Give These Things Instead (WIN!)
Giveaways December 2, 2016 Jessica Blumel 115

It’s that very special time of year! It’s my FAVOURITE time of year and I just know that many feel the same way. The countdown to Christmas is on, which means the countdown to getting all the Christmas shopping done is also on! AHHH! I’ve partnered with the BCLC to help remind parents that some gifts are a joy to give but that they just aren’t meant for kids, like Scratch & Win tickets!
Confession: Growing up, we often had Scratch & Win tickets in our stockings. Apparently, our parents also held us as infants in backseats of cars instead of putting us in carseats. Some of our parents also smoked throughout their pregnancies. I am by NO MEANS pointing fingers or placing blame, all I’m saying is… We know more now. We have research to help us make more responsible choices as adults and parents. We have carseats for safety, we know the risks of smoking when pregnant and we also know that it’s illegal for children under the age of 19 to gamble, for a reason.
Knowing the facts about gambling and starting the conversation earlier means kids will be better prepared to make responsible choices.
It’s never too early to start the conversation with kids about gambling. The BCLC has created GameSense for Parents as a resource we can all use to better educate ourselves and our children on gambling.
Until our littles can make informed decisions for themselves and are able to properly weigh the risks of gambling, skip the Scratch & Wins and fill their little stockings full of age-appropriate goodies likes these:
All of those ideas are available at Indigo in stores or online AND… whoa, what do you know…
~~ WIN ~~
In partnership with the BCLC, I am excited to be giving away a $100 gift card to Indigo! To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below! Good luck and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
This message is being shared in partnership with the BCLC. The views and opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Photo: Personal Creations
Krista M
December 2, 2016 #1 AuthorFrom the BCLC site I learned that kids’ brains are still developing & therefore less capable of assessing the risks of gambling; that they see gambling as exciting & will often ignore the negative outcomes associated with it.
Barb W
December 2, 2016 #2 AuthorIt’s crazy but I learned a gambling problem can start developing as young as 10 years old!
Elaine
December 2, 2016 #3 AuthorI learned that the average age that problem gamblers start is aged 10!
Marla P
December 2, 2016 #4 AuthorI’ve learnt that The types of gambling activities with the most participation by kids under 18 are Scratch & Win tickets, poker and betting on the outcome of a game.
Lindsay
December 2, 2016 #5 AuthorWow, 10 years old that is so young! Good to know Jess, thanks for sharing!
Leana
December 2, 2016 #6 AuthorI learned the importance of having conversations about gambling with your kids early!
Kayla
December 2, 2016 #7 AuthorAge 10! That’s crazy!
Jacqueline
December 2, 2016 #8 AuthorDidn’t realize that kids are starting gambling at the age of 10!
Josie
December 2, 2016 #9 AuthorWow! I learned gambling problems can begin as early as 10. That’s crazy
Andria
December 2, 2016 #10 AuthorThat gambling can start much younger (age 10) than one would think!
Tina L.
December 2, 2016 #11 Authorgambling addition could start as young as 10!!!
Tiffany
December 2, 2016 #12 AuthorI learned that the average gambler started at age 10! That’s insane! I always thought those things were fun to let my kids play…not so much now!!
Erinn Lishman
December 2, 2016 #13 AuthorThere is SO much information on this website- what a great learning tool. I loved their tips on how to start a conversation with your kids about gambling, especially the tip that actions speak louder than words.
Tara Betterley
December 2, 2016 #14 AuthorI was shocked to read the facts. Hard to believe that the average age that the kids start gambling is 10!
Jocelyn
December 2, 2016 #15 Author10 is so young ????
Sunshine H
December 2, 2016 #16 AuthorI learned that many problem gamblers started as young as 10 years old
Wanda Tracey
December 17, 2016 #17 AuthorI learned that many problem gamblers started as young as 10 years old.Wow! That is shocking!
Kristina
December 2, 2016 #18 AuthorI learned that Kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke, yet they’re far less educated on the subject. Scary!
Jill K
December 2, 2016 #19 AuthorIt’s never too early to start talking with kids about gambling
tracy k
December 2, 2016 #20 Authori learned the average gambler starts at 10yo.
Melinda Jana
December 3, 2016 #21 Authorgenerally the average gambler started gambling as young as age 10
Jenny Major
December 3, 2016 #22 AuthorI learned that the average age that problem gamblers start is aged 10
Mike Gismondi
December 3, 2016 #23 AuthorKids who say their parents have gambled in the past year are significantly more likely to participate in gambling activities themselves.
Heather
December 3, 2016 #24 AuthorI had no idea kids started gambling so young!
Marsalie
December 3, 2016 #25 AuthorGambling addictions can start at age 10.
Jenness M
December 3, 2016 #26 AuthorI learned that kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke, yet they’re far less educated on the subject.
Glogirl
December 3, 2016 #27 AuthorI learned that kids who say their parents gambled in the last year were significantly more likely to gamble themselves. Parents really are role models!
Rajbinder Kaur
December 3, 2016 #28 AuthorWow, completely shocked to learn kids as young as 10 are gambling. I can’t believe this.
Suzanne G
December 3, 2016 #29 AuthorI learned that problem gamblers start gambling by the time they are 10.
BobbiJo Pentney
December 3, 2016 #30 AuthorKids are gambling earlier than we thought crazy 10 years old
Jeannie Lam
December 3, 2016 #31 AuthorI learned that a problem gambler addiction problem can start as early as 10 years old! Crazy!
Wanda Tracey
December 3, 2016 #32 AuthorI learned that kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke, yet they’re far less educated on the subject. I was shocked to learn that gamblers first started at age 10!!
Lynn
December 3, 2016 #33 AuthorI definitely remember getting scratch tickets in my stocking when I was little…actually the same relatives that gave them when I was young still give them to me!
Alana
December 3, 2016 #34 AuthorI want Indigo and to win the lotto for Christmas! Love the stocking stuffers you showed. And, at the end of the day, I don’t think parents holding us on their laps was the end of the world. Shhhh! Don’t tell anyone 😉
naiddia p
December 3, 2016 #35 AuthorI learned problem gamblers start as young as 10.
Josh S
December 3, 2016 #36 AuthorI learned that the average gambler started gambling as young as age 10. That is really scary.
Sunshine G
December 3, 2016 #37 AuthorI had no idea kids were gambling at age 10!
Victor
December 3, 2016 #38 AuthorI think it is important to teach kids about gambling much like sex education in school. Help them learn where their boundaries are, whether they have an addictive personality to gambling (e.g. if they gamble then they can’t stop). To talk about gambling one has to be able to talk about the odds and math and the reasoning behind it. I don’t think don’t gamble similar to the avoid sex type of sexual education. On a basic level, gambling is probability. We deal with probability and uncertainty from getting into a car to buying life insurance.
maria
December 3, 2016 #39 AuthorI learned that gambler’s start as young as 10 yrs old
Amy C
December 3, 2016 #40 AuthorI learned that most problem gambles started gambling at age 10.
Angie S.
December 3, 2016 #41 AuthorI learned that the average age that problem gamblers start is aged 10
Katy Waldegrave
December 3, 2016 #42 AuthorI learnt that the average age worldwide for gamblers with gambling problems to start gambling is 10 years old, wow.
lori butler
December 3, 2016 #43 Authorwhen I first heard of this, i was shocked, i still can’t believe that basically babies are gambling
Lisa Corriveau
December 4, 2016 #44 AuthorI was amazed at the average age that problem gamblers started as being 10.
Jennifer P.
December 4, 2016 #45 AuthorI learned that 43% of BC kids say they have gambled in the last year, and that kids are more likely to try gambling over drugs, cigarettes or alcohol.
missbobloblaw
December 4, 2016 #46 AuthorI’ve learned that studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
Anne-Marie Tvete
December 4, 2016 #47 AuthorI learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
angela m
December 5, 2016 #48 AuthorI learned that Kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke, yet they’re far less educated on the subject
jan
December 5, 2016 #49 AuthorI liked their explanation of the difference between gambling and games of skill
Mary
December 5, 2016 #50 AuthorI’ve learned that most problem gamblers start at around age 10!
aaron reck
December 5, 2016 #51 AuthorKids gamble earlier than I thought. Oh no that is not good.
heather sibley
December 6, 2016 #52 AuthorI learned a gambling problem can start developing as young as 10 years old!
Linda
December 7, 2016 #53 AuthorI learned that studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
Kam
December 7, 2016 #54 AuthorI learned that gambling addiction can start as young as 10 years old.
Rachel
December 8, 2016 #55 AuthorLearned that problem gamblers started at age 10.
Erin W
December 8, 2016 #56 AuthorI learned that a good way to talk to kids is to promote games that need hard work and skill for a payoff instead of chance.
Tammy Dalley
December 9, 2016 #57 AuthorI learned the average age of 10 kids start gambling
Pam
December 10, 2016 #58 AuthorKids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke.
Shirley S
December 10, 2016 #59 AuthorI learned that studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
wendy Hutton
December 10, 2016 #60 AuthorI learned that kidsa re gambling earlier than we thnk
Wanda Tracey
December 11, 2016 #61 AuthorI learned that kids as young as ten years old have a gambling problem.They are far more
likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke, yet they’re far less educated on the subject.
Sarah Alexis
December 11, 2016 #62 AuthorI found out that the average age that problem gamblers start is aged 10 – say WHAT???!!!!!
Jonnie
December 14, 2016 #63 AuthorI learned that kids are exposed to gambling images every day
Judy Cowan
December 14, 2016 #64 AuthorI learned that average gambler starts gambling as young as age 10, wow that is young.
ivy pluchinsky
December 14, 2016 #65 Authorthe average age that the kids start gambling is 10! That is shocking.
Alex Remtulla
December 14, 2016 #66 AuthorI learned that scratch and win tickets are one of the most participated in gambling activities by kids
Juliee Fitze
December 15, 2016 #67 AuthorI was amazed to find out that most problem gamblers started at age 10
Florence Cochrane
December 15, 2016 #68 AuthorI was shocked to read that most gamblers stated gambling at young age of 10
Karla Sceviour
December 16, 2016 #69 AuthorI learned that Studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10. Wow,,that is shocking.
Chris C
December 18, 2016 #70 AuthorGambling can start early like 10 years old!
Carole Dube
December 18, 2016 #71 AuthorI learned a gambling problem can start developing as young as 10 years old! That is scary!
Mai Edwards
December 19, 2016 #72 AuthorWOW age 10 who knew.
Stephanie Pettie
December 19, 2016 #73 AuthorSo crazy to read that gambling addictions can start as early as 10 years old!! Like you, 8 remember my grandpa giving my cousins and I scratch tickets for birthdays and Christmas!
Monica
December 19, 2016 #74 AuthorGreat partnership with BCLC! I had NO IDEA studies pointed to gambling problems starting as early as 10yrs of age! It has been a tradition to receive scratch tickets in our stockings!
Sara
December 19, 2016 #75 AuthorAs young as 10- this is news to me and I remember getting a ticket every year since that age in my stocking.
Kristy Todd
December 19, 2016 #76 AuthorI’m shocked that kids as young as age 10 start gambling… crazy! And good to be aware.
Francine
December 19, 2016 #77 AuthorKids who say their parents have gambled in the past year are significantly more likely to participate in gambling activities themselves
Jennifer Ann Wilson
December 19, 2016 #78 AuthorI was shocked to learn that some children start gambling at the age of 10!
Andrea f
December 19, 2016 #79 AuthorI’ve learned that’s it’s never too early to have a conversation about gambling
M
December 19, 2016 #80 AuthorI learned that kids can start gambling as young as 10
christina wilson
December 19, 2016 #81 AuthorI learned that kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs or smoke! And can start as early as age 10! Crazy!!
Keisha
December 19, 2016 #82 AuthorGreat giveaway Jess! Our Littles love books!
Crystal
December 19, 2016 #83 Author10 years old!? ???? That’s crazy.
Dani Mossman
December 19, 2016 #84 AuthorThis was a very interesting post! I learned the importance of starting conversations with our children about gambling and how problematic it can be. The average person with a gambling issue starts engaging in these behaviors around age 10 (which shocked me), and that this behavior is linked to family members who also have issues with gambling. Thanks for learning opportunity!
Heather W
December 19, 2016 #85 AuthorI was extremely surprised to read that kids with a gambling problem started gambling at 10 years old.. I don’t even understand how thats possible.. where are their parents?
HEIDI C.
December 19, 2016 #86 AuthorI am amazed that kids as young as 10 can get addicted to gambling.
Melissa
December 19, 2016 #87 AuthorFun fact, I’ve never purchased a lottery ticket ????
Lori W.
December 19, 2016 #88 AuthorKids are more likely to gamble than to smoke, do drugs or drink
KR
December 19, 2016 #89 AuthorIt was always a tradition to receive scratch tickets in our stocking too! I never linked scratch cards to gambling adiction, good partnership with BCLC!
Nancy J Montgomery
December 19, 2016 #90 AuthorI’m surprised that kds are more likely to gamble than drink.
Jenny Liu
December 19, 2016 #91 AuthorI learned the signs of gambling and that the types of gambling activities with the most participation by kids under 18 are Scratch & Win tickets, poker and betting on the outcome of a game.
Holly D
December 19, 2016 #92 AuthorThat kids are more likely to gamble than drink, do drugs, or smoke. And some kids start gambling as early as age 10!
nicolthepickle
December 20, 2016 #93 AuthorI learned that it can start as young as 10. That is scary!
Amanda S
December 20, 2016 #94 AuthorI learned that kids worldwide start gambling as young as 10. I don’t think I even knew gambling existed when I was 10! That was a shock.
Stephanie
December 20, 2016 #95 AuthorI learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
Maria
December 20, 2016 #96 AuthorI learned that it’s important to have conversation with the children about gambling, shocking that some started to gamble at 10 WOW
kristen visser
December 20, 2016 #97 AuthorI learned that kids are gambling as young as 10 years of age!! That is crazy I didn’t know it was from that young
Jodi Mitrovic
December 21, 2016 #98 AuthorI’m surprised to have learned that studies conducted worldwide have found the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10.
dave
December 21, 2016 #99 Authorgambling addition could start as young as 10
Luisa
December 21, 2016 #100 AuthorI learned about the signs of gambling and that poker and scratch and win are types of gambling that younger people do
Yuen C
December 21, 2016 #101 AuthorI learned that the average age that problem gamblers start is age 10.
Shannon Grochowski
December 21, 2016 #102 Authorgambling problems can start as early as 10 years old!! :O
Lushka Smith
December 21, 2016 #103 AuthorI learned that the average problem gambler started gambling at age 10, yikes so young.
Vivian
December 22, 2016 #104 AuthorTen years old with gambling problems! So early!
Melissa Black
December 22, 2016 #105 AuthorI learned kids are gambling way earlier than we think.
Monica C
December 22, 2016 #106 AuthorI learned the signs to look out for in case someone is a risk to become a problem.
Karine
December 22, 2016 #107 AuthorI didn’t know such a high percentage of children had gambled before
Christina D
December 23, 2016 #108 AuthorIf parents gamble around their kids it can set as a bad example on the kids and persuade them to gamble.
Soozle
December 24, 2016 #109 AuthorI learned and was shocked gambling addiction can start as young as 10!
Tanya CI
December 24, 2016 #110 AuthorIt is never too soon to talk to kids
Bons
December 25, 2016 #111 AuthorI learned that many problem gamblers start gambling at a very young age.
Monique L.S.
December 25, 2016 #112 AuthorI learned that children are exposed to various types of gambling every day.
Sarah De Diego
December 26, 2016 #113 AuthorI learned that “Kids are gambling earlier than you may think”. I can’t believe that I might need to talk to my 7-year-olds about it soon. Eck.
Besos Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
darci paice
December 27, 2016 #114 AuthorI learned that addiction to gambling can start as young as 10 years old
Andrea
December 27, 2016 #115 AuthorKids are gambling as young as 10 years old!