Mom’s Money

Last Minute Panic? Remember: Time Is The Best Gift

If you are like millions of Moms and Dads, you’re looking at your children’s Christmas gifts and feeling somewhat pitiful.  Last year the pile was a bit bigger… this year the budget has really gotten tight.  How do parents reconcile these cut backs when they look at those expectant little faces? 

Let’s remember what children REALLY expect.  Children expect their parents to spend time with them, play with them, provide them with shelter, guidance, food, warmth, hugs, kisses, and fun.  You know, the love stuff.  Gifts are great, yes, but will not take the place of a parent’s time.

If you have some board games, or video games, or bats and balls, or family movies, or even a deck of cards, you are on your way to a wonderful Christmas Day.  Did Santa bring your daughter fingernail polish?  Sit down with her and give her a manicure. What gift put a big grin on your son’s face?  Spend time with your son learning about what makes him tick. And when your kids are finished exploring their new treasures, bring out some old ones.  How long has it been since you’ve played Sorry, or Monopoly, or Chutes and Ladders? 

A child knows they are important to you when you spend time with them.  That is parenting in a nutshell.  Make this Christmas season about real gifts.  The gift of time.  Merry Christmas!