20 Gifts for your children
Every year I compile gift guides of all the best and latest toys, books and electronics that parents can buy for their children and whilst it is wonderful for us to indulge our children in these things, I thought I would share a more meaningful list of gifts, many of which don’t cost more than your love, devotion and time as a parent.
THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE TO YOUR CHILD
1. QUALITY TIME
Your presence is needed. Your child needs to know you like them, want to spend yome with them and prioritize your relationship with them. To do this they need you to provide your time as much as you do your finances.
2. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Showing your child no judgment or rejection when they make mistajes allows them yo learn the lesson of unconditional love. Showing them that they don’t need to earn that love or need to do certain things to earn your love allows them to form healthy relationshipsas they grow older.
3. SPACE TO GROW
Allowing your child to grow into each phases of life can be hard to navigate, especially through the teen years. Don’t expect your child to reason like you yet you will always have more experience than them.Expecying a child to act older than their age robs your child of their childhood. Let them curve their own identity as their discover who they are
4. A STABLE HOME
Nothing stresses a child more than a home where mom and dad are in turmoil; or where one parent is erratic and abusive. Give your child a safe haven, let home be a place of love.
5. UNITY
Parents should together as a couple. Show your child teamwork. Many children learn which parent to manipulate quite early and if you do not show a united front, parenting with the same rules and values or undermining each other, this can cause your child to always get their own way by siding with the parent who gives in. The beauty of your parenting journey is that you and your spouse bring unique traits that when combined, provide a strong parental unit. Your child needs that unit to grow and develop.
6. DISPLAY OF SUPPORT
Deliberately do things to show your child support, such as cheering them on, acknowledging their success, bragging about your child in public, being present in landmark moments and affirming your child with words of love.
7. A VISION
Guide your child into having a vision. A vision is your child’s why. Why go to school, why work hard, why pursue goals? Don’t just tell your child what to do, help them to find their inspiration and set their goals.
8. ENCOURAGEMENT
Always be your child’s biggest cheerleader. When they fall, help the child up. Clap the hardest, shout the loudest. Be your child’s inspiration for what encouragement should look like.
9. DISCERNMENT
Values guide us through life and are important in every aspect of our growth and development, for future relationships, jobs and choices. Cultivate a value system in your child so that they can choose what is right even in the moments that you are not around
10. DISCIPLINE
Discipline and self control are important traits to learn in childhood, one that will help them to become the best versions of themselves and reach their goals later in life. Teach your child self-control, how to stay the course and how yo regilate themselves during big emotions. Self-control is a muscle, the more your child practice it, the better your child becomes at it
11. A GOOD EDUCATION
Take your child to the best schools that you can afford. Surround them with educational games and books. Read with them often. Share content that builds their knowledge, interests or skills. If you give your child a digital device, direct your child to sites that lead to growth, encourage healthy screen time limits and live a life that shows them that there is more to enjoying life than just a screen. Make learning fun. Expose your child to different ideas, culturs and experiences through travel. Teach them to push their boundaries and constantly try new things.
12. PRODUCTIVE TRADITION
Every family has its own traditions and as you form a partnership with your spouse you may combine traditions or form new ones. Make sure you only practice what is good for your family and child. Not every aspect of man-made culture should be transferred to the next generation. The family you came from is important, but the family you form is your first priority.
13. PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING
The biggest lesson that parenting teaches you is just how much patience we need daily. Parent your child with grace. Forgive them often and patiently guide them. Many times our children will need us to teach lessobs over and over again. Don’t give up on your child, be aware that nurturing takes time. Don’t expect too much too soon. Some children learn faster than others. Avoid driving your child into depression to impress you.
14. A LISTENING EAR
You should be the first person your child runs to. Be easy to talk to and approachable. However, also offer a trusted family member or friend as a confident to your child. Sometimes, no matter how approachable we as parents are, our children may feel they can’t come to us. In these cases if they have a village of supportive, like minded, trustedadults surrounding them, you know they will be guided correctly.
15. WISDOM
Share with your children life lessons you have picked along the way. They may not always listen or appreciate these lesdons, but one day, it will be the exact advice they need and they will remember your words. Your children shouldn’t struggle the way you did or make the mistakes you did, to encourage that they don’t be honest with them, share your struggles, your choices and the things you learnt along the way.v
16. FOND MEMORIES
Family is about shared experiences, give your child good ones. Spend time together, being present and making memories. You don’t need money to do this. You could have a family games night, enjoy a picnic, take a Sunday drive or go to the beach. Our children will not remember the amount of money we spent, only the time we gave them.b
17. A HOLISTIC FOUNDATION
Show your child life is more than good grades. Teach your child how to handle and create wealth, how to socialize, how to be emotionally intelligent, how to solve problems, how to grow in their spirituality, how to take care of their body, how to rest when tired and how to livmfe life to its full. Raise them whilst nuturing their whole being, not only their small window of academic learning.
18. A GOOD COMMUNITY
Surround your child with the right type of people; this means choosing friends who are pro-family, friends who are good role models, friends who can mentor and be a good connection for your child. Surround your child with a village of people who will look out for them, guide them, support them and love them.
19. INHERITANCE
Whilst we all immediately think ginances when we think inheritance, a good inheritance is also your value system, your work ethic, your morals and the traditions that you pass down to your child. Give them a headstart in life, by teaching independence to face the world, resilience to overcome hurdles and tolerance to accept and include those around them. Teaching your child to be a good person will take them far in life.
20. A GOOD NAME
Live honorably so that your child will be proud to call themselves yours. Don’t just build a reputation outside of your home, but within its walls as well.
