Your child called. He said he wanted more "presence" this year. That's right, "presence". Being available to your kids both physically and emotionally is far more important than any sort of present or gift you can buy for him this holiday season.
Try this little experiment:
Think back to your own childhood. There are likely some gifts that stand out in your mind. Maybe it was a Lite Brite, a Star Wars Light Sabre, a Strawberry Shortcake doll, or a GI Joe. Chances are there are only handful of gifts you can actually remember. But you probably remember the feeling you got when your parents played a board game with you, played cards, rough housed with you or let you help cook your family's traditional foods. You can probably even smell that food if you close your eyes.
See? That little exercise should make it clear that time spent with kids is far more important than the things that are bought, wrapped and given as gifts. So, make the time with your kids count. Give them something they will remember. Give them the gift of your time. The only thing your child really needs from you is your "presence". That's economical, frugal, and just makes good sense.
Your return on investment when it comes to "presence" like this is incalculable. Here's a list of five "presence" that won't break the bank. Your child will remember these gifts long after the others are forgotten:
1. Curl up and read a great book with your child. Be as animated as you can. Let yourself go wild!
2. Start a new family tradition, or teach your child traditions of yore.
3. Go to the library and check out a DVD to view with your child. Discuss what the movie meant to your child afterward.
4. Whip up some holiday goodies for yourselves...or for a lonely neighbor. This is a gift that gives to your child twice...fun time with you and a lesson in kindness.
5. Play a board game. Let your child pick. Don't let him win every time. Losing teaches a more valuable lesson.
What will you do to increase the "presence" your child receives this year?
Comments
Awesome, Wendy. (Congrats on your new examiner page). When I think back I can clearly recall my parents taking us to see The Nutcracker each year. Volunteering @ the homeless shelter. Playing TONS of board games. Singing and dancing around the piano. Decorating the tree & drinking hot chocolate. Don't recall any particular "gotta have it now" gifts, though. Just the interaction that FOLLOWED the gifts - playing together, using the games and reading the books. Yep. You are right - thanks for the lovely and peaceful trip down memory lane.
Thanks for adding all of those wonderful memories, Shara! Sounds like "home"! And now we are re-creating it for our children!
Fabulous post!
Can't wait to read more from you!
Anna! Thanks for dropping by! I'll be checking your Examiner.com site out now! I love toys! Who doesn't? :-)
Fabulous post!
Can't wait to read more from you!
You couldn't have said it more perfectly - great article!!!
Thanks, Sue!
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