Dec 19

Dec 19 The Best Christmas Gift Ever

THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT you can give your kids is your TIME

The best Christmas gift you can give your child is spending time with with them and showing them that you are a happy mom when you’re together.

My ten-year-old demands eye contact when she talks to me. Kids want our 100% focus or more than that; they want us to live in the moment. In today’s world of social media, sometimes we are too busy taking pictures of every single thing that we forget to enjoy the moment. I know we moms are known to be multi-taskers. Yes, we can carry a baby, talk on the phone, do the laundry, and help with homework at the same time. BUT what if we put everything on hold, and truly spent time talking with our child for a set amount of time? What if we had a calendar with each of our children’s name on it and they knew that on that day they would get our 100% attention for a set period?

In my Mommy Care Checklist (which you can receive by signing up for my newsletter), I recommend scheduled time with each child once a month. That is the minimum amount of time. You should also be a good listener and give your child attention when you reconnect at the end of the school/work day.

My 13-year-old enjoys when I ask him how his school day went. Teens may act like its a burden to say more than two words, but trust me, they do appreciate your genuine interest in them. If all you get is an "okay" when you ask your teen how his day was, make sure to ask a more probing question. When your teen knows they are essential and that you care, communication will be much more open.

My 15-year-old appreciates that I attend his sports games. I make it a priority to watch most of his games because I love watching him do what he enjoys. When I get the schedule at the beginning of each season, I input it into my calendar and work everything else around it. I try my best to not work at those times, but sometimes it's unavoidable.

I also have two daughters in college. They appreciate when I make time to call, text, or FaceTime them. Even though we are in three different time zones, we make it happen. I also email them. Technology is useful because I can take my time and put my feelings, goals, advice, and expression of love in an email. Trust me if your college-age child calls you, stop what you're doing, and make time to listen.

Another unique gift we can give our children is financial smartness. We can model and teach how to live within our means.

If your child believes in Santa, then say "Santa has lots of kids to take care of, including many less fortunate kids." Take your children to a soup kitchen and serve there. Take them through the city where homelessness abides. Talk to them about how there will always be others who are less fortunate.

Ask yourself: What does my child need? vs. What does my child want?

If you plan memorable experiences with your child, he will not be disappointed on Christmas morning when he doesn't get all that he asked for.

If you are rushing around like a mad woman this week doing last minute shopping, ask yourself, is this item on my list more valuable than my time? And Is spending time with this person more valuable than a material gift?

If you do not celebrate Christmas, this post can also relate to any special occasion or anytime your child asks you to buy something for him.