Holiday season is fast approaching and most people are starting to get excited for their gift lists. For many, the task becomes stressful just thinking about their financial situation and the many problems they may be experiencing. Still, the motivation is to find resources to put a few presents under the Christmas tree.
Gift giving is an important gesture we do on various occasions – shower party, birthday, anniversary, wedding but Christmas season tops the list. Gift giving during holiday season is an honored tradition in most homes. From experience, gifts for children in the family especially the cute babies are given the top priority. One would enter a shopping mall purposely to buy something else but the mere sight of adorable items in the children’s section can distract one’s attention. The result? – the shopper leaves the store with the cute item for the baby. Fine. But, stop a minute and ask yourself. “What would I buy for my child when I am under tight financial situation”? Perhaps the answer lies in the gifts that are given. I pretty much like the suggestions of Thomas Haller and Chick Moorman which I would like to quote here:
“Give children what they really want from their parents: PRESENCE NOT PRESENTS. All children spell love T-I-M-E. What we can give them is our attention, our availability, or mindfulness, our closeness, and our time”. This holiday season, be sure to:
1. Be there regardless of what you are doing. Avoid the urge to multitask and strive to stay focused on the moment at hand. When you sit with your children to play or to read a book, give them your undivided attention.
2. Make a “be” choice. How you choose to be affects whatever you choose to do. When you are with your children, choose to be interested in what they are interested in. Choose to be happy that you have the time to focus on their needs and wants. Choose to be excited about the time you have with them.
3. Connect physically. Touch is a powerful way to communicate “I love you”. Get close and touch your children’s heart with a warm embrace and a gentle squeeze of the shoulder. Dispense hugs, smiles, winks and kisses.
4. Connect emotionally. Feelings are always more important than things. Create an environment where it is safe to be emotional. Encourage the expression of feelings. Demonstrate empathy, compassion and understanding.
5. Unplug from the electronic world. Electronics creates barrier between you and your children. Give your time to them. Talk to them. Play with them. Dream with them. This will give a lasting memory for your family.
6. Play the kids’ rules. Play with the children at their level. Make mud pies, jump in rain puddles, roll down a hill or join in the creation of artistic designs. Play regularly, and remember that the reason for play is to play, not win.
Make a commitment this holiday season to give the best gift you can give by being present in your children’s life. Be active and interactive on a daily basis with your children. Be the parent you were called to be. GIVE YOUR PRESENCE. Happy holidays
0 comments:
Post a Comment