Our Most Cherished Gift
by Cinda Chatfield
This time of year encourages many positive things such as quality time, family dinners, and gift giving. There are tangible gifts, which can be held, touched, and felt. For our infants and toddlers, a popular choice is always a cuddly stuffed animal or Lil’ Tikes Car. For an older child, they may be excited by the latest gaming device or electronics, but each year, also give them a more personal gift they will remember and cherish for years to come. These gifts might be a piece of jewelry handed down through generations or a special letter or poem you’ve written for your child. More important than the stuffed animal, jewelry or letter, will be the memories that these items trigger of your relationship and time together. These gifts will be cherished for a lifetime.
As obvious as it may seem, many parents need a reminder that love, compassion and support are the most valuable gifts of all! A child who receives these gifts will thrive and grow. A parent’s unconditional love, compassion and support is necessary as is air is to breathe, and water is to nourish. These gifts will provide our children with the security and confidence to go into the world and live life to the fullest, handling anything put in their path. It’s these gifts that are the most difficult to give because they may not be appreciated in the moment. For example, the gift of Love may not always be warm and fuzzy, and sometimes “tough love” is necessary. Especially when the Love given is in the form of having to say “no” for their protection, or providing a less desirable choice then what they may want. But that’s OKAY, because eventually your kids will recognize that boundaries were necessary for their safety and your family’s happiness.
Instruct your children that although giving physical presents is the traditional way to participate in the holidays, the physical gifts are ultimately only one way you all express love, compassion, and support for one another. You all can express these qualities year-round in many thoughtful ways, and these truly valuable gifts carry on through many generations.
About the Author: Cinda Chatfield has worked for over 15 years as a Child Development Specialist, Parent & Family Educator and Advocate. Cinda is the founder of Chatfield & Company, a collective dedicated to creating a harmonious home environment for parents and children. To find out more visit: chatfieldandcompany.com
