- The
gift of self-confidence
If a child
learns early in life that he is capable, they’re less likely to struggle with insecurity
and self-doubt as they gets older. If a child doesn’t have a clear sense of
self, they may struggle with identity issues later in life, especially in the
teen years. Praise efforts versus results.
- The
gift of empathy
Compassion and
empathy are closely tied. If a child learns to really understand someone else’s
point of view, they are more likely to feel compassion toward that person. By
showing your child that you are interested in what they are doing, they will be
more likely to take the same care to understand others, as well.
- The
gift of creativity
Instead of
throwing out what may look to others like trash (like used toiler paper rolls),
encourage your child to make something and praise their creative zeal!
- The
gift of perseverance
Instill in them
a belief that they can always come out on top. Even if there’s something
difficult, help them know they can get through it. This can-do attitude will
carry over into their adult lives and provide a sense of hope, to help them
overcome their problems.
- A
gift of discovery
Parents
cultivate the love of learning. Children should recognize they don’t have to
understand it all now, but parents should ask questions of what they see around
them. Look. Observe. Teach them to embrace the wonderful world around them and
explore it.
- The
gift of forgiveness
Not just of
other people, but of oneself. We learn from our mistakes. Explain, “It’s OK if it
didn’t work this time, try again.” Beating yourself up about it won’t help.
- The
gift of silliness
Life can be
scary and often is perceived as too serious. Laughter and play are integral to
becoming capable and fulfilled adults
- The
gift of teamwork
Through joining neighborhood
sports teams, even playing a pick-up basketball game together in your driveway,
children learn the importance of teamwork. Working with a team teaches determination,
cooperation and responsibility.
- The
gift of limits
Without rules,
children become confused and even frustrated. Having limits gives children a
sense of balance, it teaches them how far they can go. Without limits, they
become anxious, because they don’t have a clear sense of boundaries.
- The
gift of individuality
Encourage your
children to develop their own interests and abilities, not just follow those of
their parents. It can also help teach tolerance of other people’s differences.
- The
gift of time
Of all the gifts
parents can give their children, the greatest gift is time: uninterrupted,
focused, one-on-one time with mom or dad, or both.
Take
time to think about all the gifts that you can give your children that don’t
come in neatly wrapped packages. The kind of gifts only parents can give and
the kind that kids are the most happy to receive. If
you’re still debating about whether to buy your child a pricey gift, save
yourself some money and spend more time with your kids instead this holiday
season. That will be their favorite gift of all!
Adapted from http://www.metroparent.com/daily/parenting/parenting-issues-tips/greatest-gifts-parents-can-give-kids/.
-Dr. Paula Sissel
Garden County
Schools
Superintendent/Elementary
Principal