Oh, these holidays. Stores are packed, credit cards are being maxed out and everyone is thinking about gifts. Parents are busy buying toys and games and books for kids of all ages. While presents can be wonderful, there is another gift that parents often forget to give time for. This is the best holiday gift for kids.
The holidays provide a fabulous opportunity for parents to spend time with their kids. I am not referring to time spent driving your kids back and forth from activities. I’m thinking instead of quiet time to get to know your kids, to show them how much you enjoy being with them without the frantic daily schedule associated with school days. Take time to learn, or remember, how to have fun with each other.
We’ve all heard about the importance of eating meals together. While that may be the case there are lots of other things that parents can do that will help strengthen bonds with kids over the holidays. Consider the following about holiday gift for kids
1. Teach your kids the importance of quiet time
Too often we teach our kids about the importance of being busy and productive. We forget to teach them to value learning how to wind down. Over the holidays, think about pulling out the board games or even doing a puzzle. Trust me on this one. After some initial resistance, your kids will begin to look forward to a game of Scrabble or to the joy of finally completing a puzzle.
While you are teaching them how to relax you will also get an opportunity to spend time with them and get closer. Go for it and see how this works out!
2. Develop a different ritual with each child
Every child wants to feel unique and will be thrilled to have his or her own special time with parents. You may want to bake with one child each year and create family albums with yet another. These rituals become traditions, and who doesn’t get closer by sharing traditions? You may want to ask your kids what their favorite traditions are.
3. Devote a specific time each day to just family with no electronics turned on
You will be amazed at how much more attentive you can be to your kids when there is no background noise such as ringing cell phones, distracting TV shows or video games. Just accomplish two things here. You and your kids will see that there is life without technology, and you can use the free time of the holidays to learn how to interact in a mindful and present manner.
Think of the holidays as providing you and your kids with a lot more than the exchange of gifts. Spending time together is a great way to build memories and family stories. What family doesn’t need family stories to pass down to the next generation?
