This holiday season, let’s practice “presence” rather than “presents.”  Being truly present for our children means giving them our full attention & intentionally putting away our smartphones, or carving out time to play with them, or doing a special activity with them.  Creating experiences and memories of togetherness will be the greatest gift you can give your child - it will fill them up with feelings of love, joy, and self-worth. 

Here are a few ideas of ways you can create meaningful experiences together that will be fun and rewarding for not only your child, but for you as well!

Bake cookies together (or a pie or another holiday treat!).  Allow your child to help measure and mix the ingredients - it’s okay if things get a little messy - they learn through trying and practicing and need to be given opportunities to do so (and what a great sensorial experience for them to smell, taste, touch)!  Offer to share some with neighbors, friends, family to spread the joy and love!

Make homemade holiday cards to share with others and send messages of care and gratitude! You can use blank card-stock paper & your child can draw a picture on one side and write a note on the other side. For young children, you can help dictate their message, such as “Dear Grandma, I love you,” or whatever your child is inspired to say to the recipient of the card!

Play board games, card games, or charades together!  Such games help build children’s social skills, empathy skills, & patience! Even young children can learn to play games such as Shoots and Ladders, Candy Land, Uno, or Go Fish! Children love to play these games with you! Play is a child’s “love language!”

What are some fun holiday traditions and memories you can recall as a child with your family? What traditions do you want to continue with your family?  What new traditions would you like to start together? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Happy Holidays - Wishing You Well!