It’s that time again when I’m checking my gift list. I want to make sure my children have presents to unwrap that bring them joy. But, the most important gifts parents can give their children are those that aren’t found at a retailer, but at home.
*The gift of security: Emotional security is vital.. Love unconditionally, provide a loving secure environment with limits and discipline. Be spontaneously affectionate. If a child lives with security he learns to have faith in himself.
*The gift of belonging. Studies indicate the amount of time parents spend with their children is going down, not up. Take time now to correct parental "attention deficit". The average child spends only 15 minutes a day communicating with their parent. Instead of shopping for one more trinket why not play a game or bake cookies with your child. Schedule family time - we fill our calendars with everything else. Time together is one way to gain a sense of belonging.
Resource: Person to Person newsletter "Gifts that Money Can’t Buy," Dec. 1996
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