Practical Parenting

by Crystal Linn

 

Crystal Linn is a childcare expert and a professional writer. She is co-founder of
C and C Educational Consultants, a Bothell-based company that works with childcare professionals and also offers children's workshops and parenting classes. Crystal enjoys reading mysteries, writing poetry and sailing. She would love to hear from you at candceducationalconsultants@gmail.com or at (206) 715-2505.

Dear Parents, first I want to apologize for giving the wrong contact information in my last column. I said there would be arts and craft workshops for children at the Marysville Library on Saturday, November 12. That is correct. However, please call Marysville Parks and Recreation to register (360-363-8400), not the library, since the workshops are sponsored by Marysville Parks and Recreation. Again, you have my apologies.

Holiday gift giving goes back centuries, long before Christmas. All cultures gave gifts to their gods and to each other as they celebrated their various holidays throughout the year. These ancient gifts were simple and often consisted of food and plant items, such as wheat and special twigs. Modern America is responsible for taking holiday gift giving to such extremes.

This year I encourage you to simplify holiday gift giving. Remind your children that it is really about giving simple gifts as a symbol to show our love for each other.

A few suggestions for giving to your children are: to let them know ahead of time that they will only receive x number of presents and/or that you will only spend x amount of money on presents. Most children will understand and will feel validated that you trusted them enough to share with them. Make gifts for your children, instead of purchasing them.

Some ideas for children's gift giving are: Have them make a list and decide how much money they can spend; make treats as a family to give as gifts; or go online and check out the countless ideas for hand-made gift items.

The options for gift giving are endless. Make it simple, fun and affordable.

A special note for parents of young children: before a child can learn how to give, s/he must first learn the concept of ownership. It is normal for them to be confused when an adult says, "Here, this is yours to give to Tommy." (If it is mine why must I give it to Tommy?) It is also normal for parents to be embarrassed in these situations. Simply assure the child that everything is ok and continue to explain, in simple words, what the situation is all about. They will understand at some point. (And the other people most likely will be impressed with your wisdom and patience with your child.)

To your parenting success,

Crystal

Quotable Parenting Quote:

Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. - Neil Postman