THE BEST GIFT TO GIVE

During this holiday season, the best gift you can give your children is your time.  School holidays offer an opportunity for the family to spend more time together and for the parents to improve positive communication and relationship with children. Many parents, thinking of the fact that they will have to plan activities and fun for their children, may consider the approaching school holidays stressful.

From children’s perspective, quality time includes direct and full attention of their parents. Sometimes it is difficult to find the ‘right’ time to spend with children. Apart from shared activities, quality time with children includes quality communication, too. Take time to talk with children. It is important in building an open and honest relationship, creating an atmosphere where children can feel free to take up any issues. While talking, remember to listen to what your child has to say. Encourage your child’s curiosity and interests by asking a lot of ‘Why?’ and ‘How?’ questions. This helps children to learn how to express their thoughts and feelings. Let the children talk about themselves, about what they like to do, about their worries. This will help in creating an atmosphere of trust and acceptance.

Holidays are often a time of joy and gift-giving. However, they are also an opportunity to spend more time with our children. Children acquire experience of emotional bonds, of belonging and of their own identity in the atmosphere and events in the family. Therefore, our time, attention and feelings should be given to our children, together with gifts. That way, we satisfy children’s emotional needs for love, acceptance and respect.