The best Christmas presents we can give our children this year

[emmaagain]

Time. Children are exploring the universe. There are far more important things than getting to school/nursery/work on time. Many family conflicts arise because parents assume that their own agendas and timetables are more important than those of their children.

Our full attention Many family conflicts arise because adults aren't actually trying to respond to and facilitate what their children are trying to do. Equivalent of "please help me hang this tinsel, Dh?" "Well, happy days, I'm off to the pub to watch the footie". nnnggg!

Trust in their good intentions and their ability. Small children aren't "wilful", "stubborn", "trying it on", or "just manipulating you". Most of them are thwarted at every turn by adults who don't trust them or try to help them.

This advent homily was brought to you free, gratis and for nothing...

Well said Emma.

Just so very hard to do isn't it?

(2nd vote for the choc money)

Yes, must buy some chocolate coins...

(and thanks Scattysanta. I wondered if I'd gone off on one a bit there...)

I don't think my dd would be so keen on the second one. From time to time, she'll go 'Go away, Mummy, don't look at me!'

The rest of the conversation, however, goes like this:
'Why's that dd? Are you going to do something naughty?'
'Yes, I'm going to hit the baby with the hammer.'

Come to think of it I'm not too sure about the third one either now

Nice post emmaagain. I would love to give my kids all of the above. New year's resolution for me, perhaps...