Don’t let your child go overboard this season

The holidays are here and this is one of every child’s favourite. It’s the Christmas season, which marks the birth of Christ hence there are countless celebrations accompanying this holiday.

While children are allowed to take full advantage of the season, as there are numerous activities channeled towards them and even adults, it is quite necessary to take steps as parents to ensure that they don’t go overboard in trying to get the fun the season brings.

So, there is need for moderation. The focus of the holiday should definitely be on spreading love to one another.

The idea of having too much – parties, pressure to decorate and gifts can seem overwhelming even as parents. Hence to simplify things, here are a few ways to do it:

As parents, you should pay attention to gifting so you don’t let your child go overboard. There will be so many Santa focused gifts that you may be tempted to buy, which of course, your child may not be needing, so ensure to understand the purpose you would like the gifts to serve before going ahead.

In case you have already gone overboard with your child’s gifts, choose the gifts that you know will light up your child’s world and bring true joy. The others can be tucked away and repurposed as birthday gifts for your child or even another child.

You can also choose to return some of the gifts that you didn’t need. Or better yet, donate them to a family in need to make their holiday more joyous. The point is: Unless the holiday has passed, you do not have to give your children everything you have bought. But you are going to have to find some discipline, and be ready to feel uncomfortable.

More importantly, as parents, you should know your obligations, choose them wisely and ensure it translates to something impactful for your child. There are favourite holiday memories, and for our children, our time and attention as parents are truly what they crave. That way you will focus less on very expensive gifts and over-the-top vacations.

So, when you continually get invites to attend parties, you should ask yourself if the party brings you joy or do you feel obligated to go. Analyse if the event will create joy in your family and if you could attend the function and leave early. If you look at your calendar and ask yourself these questions, you will begin to make decisions that are right for yourself and your family. Remember we are to choose own our time and our joy this holiday season.

Another way to curtail excesses this season is to settle for creating festive costumes, decorations, making holiday cookies and meals. These activities will further create the desired bonding amongst family and is quite cost effective without going overboard.

At the end, it all comes back to the fact that children want our time, our joy, our eyes and our attention. They don’t need us embittered, exhausted and filled with holiday resentment. You don’t need to be perfect. Just try.