Parenting Blog

As we move through December, are your children developing a case of the gimmees?

Commercialization doesn’t serve these sacred days, our wallets, or our children. Seasonal ads whip kids into a frenzy of desire that can only crash and burn. The first question at school in January is usually “What’ja get?”

But none of the holidays we observe in December has anything to do with purchasing things. Each is an opportunity to celebrate – the birth of the Savior, the Seven Principles of Kwanza, the return of the light with the Solstice, and the miracle of faith symbolized by the Chanukah lights.  

Protective parenting means gently reminding kids of the real meaning of your holiday.  How?
 
Celebrate your family by making an appreciation paper chain. On each link write an appreciation of someone else in the family: Dad makes the best pancakes, Michael shared his truck with me, Grandma has a beautiful laugh.
Tell kids any “gift” lists must include gifts they want to give someone else and gifts that involve you spending time doing something (inexpensive) with them as well as (limited) “bought” gifts.
Only give presents to children. For adults, make a donation in their name.
Make presents with your kids: big batches of playdough, brownie mix in a jar, bath salts or cookies. Remember, your goal is to delight your giftees with a token of affection, not to garner status points.
Talk as a family about a gift you want to give this year from your family to the world — maybe a donation, or serving together at a soup kitchen.  
Take the focus off presents altogether. What your kids really want is your time. What can you do to spend more time connecting with each child today? 

What are you doing today to fill your own cup with love and joy?

May your day be filled with blessings, large and small.
Dr. Laura Markham


"Do not care overly much for wealth, power, fame or things. Or one day you will meet someone who cares for none of these things, and realize how poor you have become."
-- Rudyard Kipling