The best holiday gifts for children require no wrapping paper, ribbons, or cost. But they do require a substantial investment . . . you!
The Gift of Conversation
In a world increasingly dominated by technology and media, making daily effort to converse with your child is ever more important. Children who engage in meaningful conversation with their parents enjoy higher self-esteem, are more confident in social situations, and are less likely to experiment with risky behavior later in life. One fun way to wrap your child in thoughtful conversation is with a daily table topic, like these ones from Growing Book by Book. Can’t eat dinner together every night due to extracurricular activities or your work schedule? No problem – pull a topic to talk about as you tuck your child into bed or are traveling in the car together.
The Gift of Play
How long has it been since you became a swashbuckling pirate lost at sea, or a cowboy galloping through the yard on your trusty stead? When was the last time you found yourself completely lost in imaginative play with your child? For many parents, play is hard. It requires time, effort, and letting down their guard. My friend, Valerie, from Inner Child Fun shares hundreds of pretend play ideas here, but play can also be as simple as engaging in a board game, creating with Legos, or playing a round of hide and seek outside.
The Gift of Time
Play and conversation require time, something many parents don’t have a lot of these days. With laundry to fold, errands to run, and careers to grow, time to simply be present is difficult to find. But the thing about time is one doesn’t simply find it; time has to be created. For inspiration on making time to play, check out the Choosing to Connect series from Rediscovered Families.
The Gift of Nature
Children are born with the innate need to engage with nature. Without the opportunity to get outside, many children experience depression, weight gain, and increased stress. More importantly, they miss out on opportunities that often reward them with empathy, creativity, and improved physical and mental health. Looking for a good place to begin? Try Kids in Nature, a collection of the very best nature-inspired crafts and activities for children.
The Gift of Attention
Children need quality, daily attention. If they don’t receive it from their caregivers, they may seek it from other sources or demand it (often, in negative ways). My friend, Rachel, from Hands Free Mama, has inspired thousands of people to think about what they miss out on when they choose not to give their children the attention they desperately want, need, and deserve.
Look in their eyes. Drink their imaginary tea. Hold their hand. Ask them questions and really listen. Notice them. Give your children the gift of your presence this holiday season. It’s what they really want, it’s the only gift they will never outgrow, and it’s absolutely free.
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